Times TV presenter Brian Banda gets criticisms over politician Msonda interview

Times television celebrated and maverick presenter Brian Banda continue to get a barrage of criticisms in the way he handled his interview with politician Ken Msonda, two days after the interview was aired.

The 30 minute clip of the interview has gone viral on social media and most people feel Banda failed to handle the interview as he asked personal questions and made personal remarks such as that Msonda was too poor to afford an air ticket.

Some people even suggested Banda, who served as press officer for former president Joyce Banda, solicited questions from Peoples Party (PP) officials to embarrass Msonda, the former PP publicist who has now defected to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Suzgo Chitete, a journalist with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation wrote on Facebook: “BB (Brian Banda)-Msonda interview provides a timely journalism lesson that we need to check our emotions and political excitement in the course of duty because at the end of the day credibility suffers.

“BB is a talented guy and is usually good at what he does, I hope he will take the feedback kindly and learn a thing or two.”

Eunice Chipangula, a veteran broadcaster shares on her Facebook wall that television and radio presenters should not be emotional against the interview, do not throw personal attacks and do not engage in shaming or embarrassing sort of.

“A personal question only rises when the position an interviewee is holding requires accountability or integrity and that the question is relevant to public interest prevailing at that particular point in time,” says Chipangula.

She says a question must be relevant to fish out issues that can be beneficial or important to the listener/viewer.

“Even if an interviewee insults you, don’t shoot back, continue with your relevant questions and do not allow yourself to be dragged to another path during the interview,” says Chipangula.

She says even if an interviewee responds in a way to divert the interview or engage you in a verbal battle, the one to be blamed in the end is the interviewer.

Banda and Msonda clashed several times during the interview with TV presented accusing Msonda of joining the DPP because of poverty whilst Msonda accused Banda of being used by PP officials.

Dawn Gowa Nyasulu, a distant relation to Msonda said the maverick politician cannot be described as poor by all standards.

The interview transcript

Msonda: Mukafunsa mafunso ngati satana alikumbuyo kwanuko kukuwuzirani mafusidwe oyalutsa Msonda.

Brian: Muganiza kuti mulimba ku DPP ndi zinthu mene zikukhalira?