By Burnett Munthali
On July 14, 2024, the resignation of Dr. Dalitso Kabambe from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was reported by Malawi Voice, Nyasa Times, and 247 Malawi, as breaking news. This announcement was swiftly challenged by DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba, who claimed that the party had not been informed and labeled the reports as fake news. This response led to criticism and accusations of hasty reporting, particularly targeting me. However, on July 15, 2024, Dr. Kabambe confirmed his resignation in a letter dated the same day, validating the initial reports that he had resigned on July 14, 2024. This development raises crucial questions about whether the initial report should have been considered fake news or merely unofficial.
What is breaking news?
Breaking news refers to reports on significant and current events that are happening or have just occurred. Key aspects include:
It provides immediate updates on recent developments that are of public interest.
The news is relevant and impactful, warranting prompt reporting.
Breaking news often evolves with new information, requiring ongoing updates.
In the case of Dr. Kabambe, the report was classified as breaking news because it announced a significant event in real-time, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
What is fake news?
Fake news involves deliberately false or misleading information presented as if it were genuine news. Characteristics include:
The content is intentionally false or distorted.
It aims to mislead, manipulate, or influence public opinion for various agendas.
It often lacks credible sources or proper fact-checking.
Initially, the resignation report was labeled as fake news by some due to the lack of immediate confirmation from the DPP. However, as Dr. Kabambe’s confirmation later verified the report, it became clear that the initial news was not fake but rather an early report of a true event.
*Final thoughts on Dr. Dalitso Kabambe’s resignation*
Given that Dr. Kabambe confirmed his resignation on July 15, 2024, the initial report from July 14 should be viewed as breaking news rather than fake news. The initial confusion stemmed from the lack of immediate confirmation from the DPP, not from intentional misinformation. The term “fake news” was misapplied in this instance, reflecting the challenges of distinguishing between unofficial news and deliberate misinformation.
 was reported by Malawi Voice, Nyasa Times, and 247 Malawi, as…){kind=link}