Knowledge gaps in issues of licensing, ethical reporting and resource mobilization among community radio broadcasters has prompted the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) and Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi to collaborate in enhancing their knowledge.
at the opening of the two-day capacity building workshop for the community broadcasters , MACRA board director Stella Chuti said, the workshop has come in light of the challenges that the community broadcasters face, which in-turn affect their duty of disseminating information.
Chuthi said, community radios play a critical role in disseminating information to a larger audience in the rural areas, but lack the necessary skills and knowledge and finances to operate effectively.
“Community radios are not just broadcasters, they are the voice of the communities, and their role in fostering access to information and citizen empowerment cannot be overstated. This workshop is going to empower the community broadcasters with the required knowledge in finance management and literacy so that they can positively impact their communities,” said Chuthi.
MISA Vice Chairperson Chisomo Ngulube said, MISA is committed in ensuring that the media in Malawi thrives and this can be achieved through capacity building interventions.
“This training is pivotal in ensuring that community radio stations, which serve a majority as they directly engage with the audiences are able to deliver ethical content and are also able to manage their finances well,” said Ngulube.
Ngulube said she was optimistic that after the training the Community broadcasters would on their own be able to mobilise resources, manage resources and come up with initiatives that will maintain them on air.
The workshop called together, board members, managers and editors from all community radio stations across the country.
Reported by Tabbu Kitta Kauye
