Malawi sports reporters given notes on Olympic Games
Malawi Olympic Committee President Oscar Kanjala organised a Sports Writers Association of Malawi workshop at Malawi Institute of Tourism in the commercial city of Malawi, Blantyre to enlighten sports journalists on the rules and techniques when covering Olympic Games ahead of the 2012 London Olympic Games.
President of Malawi Olympic Committee, Oscar Kanjala emphasized that there are a number of rules which journalists are supposed to follow when covering Olympic Games.
“There is a need for journalists to be aware on some of the rules which are supposed to be followed when covering the Olympic games, for instance, you must be aware on what equipment you’re supposed to carry, what you want to cover and why? You must also be aware that you do not just take photos anyhow during the game without permission,” said Kanjala.
Andrew Chimpotolo, from the University of Malawi also requested journalists to observe ethics in sports journalism by focusing much on reporting the performances of the athletes than their personal lives.
He however, was quick to point out that journalists can only focus on athlete’s personal life if it affects their own performance.
Chimpotolo also stressed that if journalists dwell much on reporting personal life on athletes than their game, they ( athletes) shun reporters and use social media like Facebook and Twitter.
MOC general secretary Helene Mpinganjira promised SWAM of more training in the future.
“Our aim is that you should be experts in various sports disciplines not only sports and
netball,” said Mpinganjira, who also urged the sports journalists to promote all sports disciplines.
Mpinganjira also urged female journalists to venture in sports reporting because currently there are a few female sports reporters in the country.
SWAM President Peter Kanjere thanked MOC for funding and organizing the workshop
He also urged his fellow members to take an initiative in covering the 2012 London Olympic Games.
