Malawi media increases civic education on Information Bill

Media bodies in Malawi have bombarded both print and electronic media with advertisements and jingles sensitizing persuading citizens on the need to have Access to Information law, a bone of contention between scribes and the government.

In one of the electronic media advertisement, veteran broadcaster and poet Gospel Kazako asks people to demand Access to Information law from their respective members of parliament.

Kazako tells people to be persuasive in their demand for the law saying it is their right.

“We are where we are, the country is facing huge economic problems because of lack of this law. When your MP says no find out why,” said part of the persuasive advertisement.

There are also jingles on the same played in most radio stations except state controlled Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).

Chairman of Media Institute for Southern Africa(MISA-Malawi chapter) Thom Khanje told a radio station a few weeks ago that the media body would step up sensitization to the people on the need to have the law.

Government has failed to table the bill in parliament despite several assurances from President Peter Mutharika, Information minister Jappie Mhango and Justice Minister Samuel Tembenu.

Misa-Malawi has complained that the bill as gazetted has been highly butchered and doctored that if passed, it will be punishing those seeking information with a hefty fine.