Malawi sports reporters launch Code of Conduct

The Sports Writers Association (Swam) has launched a Code of Conduct meant to ensure ethical sports reporting in Malawi.

Swam has aligned the code with that of its world mother governing body, the International Sports Press Association (Aips) based in Switzerland.

Swam president Peter Kanjere launched the code of conduct booklet on Friday during a day-long workshop which the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) funded at Crown Hotel, Lilongwe.

Sulom legal adviser, Gilbert Mittawa, opened the workshop which also featured Fifa referees instructor Verson Lwanja drilling the reporters on the Laws of the Game.

Mittawa called on the sports media practitioners to be responsible and sensitive when covering matches especially through live match commentaries.

Veteran football commentator Steve Liwewe Banda also echoed Mittawa’s sentiments saying commentators need to exercise common sense and research before going on air.

Swam boar chairperson Gracian Tukula encouraged the association to walk the talk in enforcing the code lest it becomes a talk show.

The 10-paged document gives sports reporters guidelines on Statutory Duty, The Public Interest, Ethical Conduct, Professional Conduct, Conflict of Interest, Confidentiality, Professional Development, Advertising, Trust, Errors, False Informational and Law.

“The code of conduct reflects the ethos and culture and the spirit of the law governing it. It identifies the key principles and values that should guide day-to-day practices and emphasises the core values that are to be honoured”