By Twink Jones Gadama
The Media Council of Malawi (MCM) recently announced the election of Dr. Jolly Maxwell Ntaba as its new board chairman during the elective general assembly held at the Cross Roads Hotel on January 12, 2024.
This marks a significant turning point for the MCM as it continues its mission to uphold media ethics and elevate the standards of journalism in the country.
The general assembly, which serves as the supreme decision-making body of the MCM, brought together all registered and paid-up members to elect a new board of trustees.
Additionally, matters such as the review and adoption of MCM reports and recommendations submitted by the outgoing board were discussed.
Dr. Jolly Ntaba, a veteran journalist, currently serves as a lecturer of media studies at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) and works as a media consultant.
His extensive experience and expertise in the field make him an ideal candidate for leading the MCM and driving positive change within the Malawian media landscape.
The newly elected board chairman, Dr. Ntaba, takes the reins from Mr. Wisdom Nelson Chimgwede, who led the MCM since its reestablishment in 2020.
Dr. Ntaba acknowledges the responsibility placed upon him and expresses his belief in the power of collaborative efforts to bolster the standards of journalism and strengthen the industry in Malawi.
In a telephone interview with this local media Ntaba said: “I am ready to take up this challenging post ,and the success of the council hinges on all stake holders and it isn’t a one man show.”
The Media Council of Malawi was established as an independent, self-regulatory body tasked with promoting ethical standards and professionalism within the media industry.
The council aimed to provide an avenue for addressing grievances and complaints against media practitioners while fostering media accountability and responsible journalism.
However, due to various challenges, the MCM became dormant.
Media practitioners and stakeholders experienced a void in terms of a unified body that could address media-related issues, leading to concerns regarding the credibility and ethics of the industry.
Recognizing the need for a functioning media council, the MCM underwent a revival in 2020.
With the support of media practitioners, government bodies, and stakeholders, the council was reestablished to restore trust, uphold ethical standards, and promote journalistic integrity in Malawi.
Since its resuscitation, the Media Council of Malawi has made substantial progress in accomplishing its objectives.
By creating a platform for mediation and resolution of conflicts between the media and the public, the council has facilitated open and transparent communication channels.
This has resulted in increased accountability within the industry and strengthened public trust in the media.
Furthermore, the MCM has implemented various initiatives to enhance journalism skills and ethics.
Training programs, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives have been organized to equip media practitioners with the requisite tools and knowledge for responsible journalism.
The council has also developed a robust code of ethics that outlines professional conduct, adherence to accuracy and fairness, protection of sources, and respect of privacy rights.
By promoting these ethical guidelines, the MCM has ensured that media practitioners in Malawi prioritize the truth and act as a reliable source of information.
With the appointment of Dr. Jolly Ntaba as board chairman, the Media Council of Malawi is poised to build on its achievements and advance towards greater milestones.
Dr. Ntaba’s wealth of experience and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the council’s endeavors in elevating journalism standards and fostering excellence within the media industry.
Under Dr. Ntaba’s leadership, the MCM envisions working collaboratively with media practitioners, stakeholders, and the public to address emerging challenges in the digital era.
By embracing technological advancements, promoting digital literacy, and nurturing professionalism, the council aims to harness the potential of the media for the betterment of Malawian society.
The election of Dr. Jolly Ntaba as the new board chairman of the Media Council of Malawi signifies a fresh chapter in the council’s journey towards promoting ethical journalism and safeguarding media integrity in the country.
As Malawi strives for a vibrant and accountable media environment, the MCM stands as a beacon of hope, committed to upholding journalistic standards and fostering public trust in the profession.
Dr. Ntaba’s appointment highlights a renewed determination to elevate journalism in Malawi, and with it, the council’s quest for excellence gains new momentum.
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