MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Malawi Chapter) is not happy with increased cyber bullying and attacks on journalists across the country.
The media body has however demanded press freedom as they carry out their day to day duties in their various media houses.
The was made during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day commemoration started on May 6-7, 2022 organized by MISA-Malawi Chapter in Mzuzu, where journalists from different media houses gathered.
Chairperson for MISA, Teleza Ndanga observes that there are problems within the press that need to be resolved with considering the growing digital presence of the population.
Ndanga alluded that despite freedoms being given to citizens and the media, attacks on journalists seem to be going up the ladder instead of going down with the growing digital presence.
“We should have been going down in terms of attacks on journalists but we are going up. Still, the form and mode of attacks is really changing, we are witnessing more of digital attacks now including cyber bullying. This is a call for worry because this is a space where journalists have to be free,” says Ndanga.
She added, “She further said that this is a big threat to modern journalism and the growing media, as
Ndanga therefore asked authorities to act on journalists’ demands to stop impunity and make sure that wrongdoers are arrested and prosecuted creating a free and safe environment for journalists.
Mayor for Mzuzu City, Desire Nyirenda who was also present at the function described that media should be free from any infringements.
“The media should be free and journalists should not be afraid just because someone has authority or is affiliated to a certain party, politicians must be politician’s and media must be media that way we will run the country in the right direction,” he said.
He further advised journalists to be responsible of what they write and make sure that eyes report the facts on the ground and leave their opinions out of the said message.
To mark the climax of the event MISA will award journalists who have done well in various categories on Saturday, May 7, 2022 Gara night at Chintheche Nkhata Bay.
