A communiqué issued after the formation of the EMC has tied the country's media managers to a commitment to faithfully play their role as gate-keepers for the observance of the highest standards of journalism and ethical conduct.
The EMC was formed on 4 September 2010 and comprises Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Kimu of Catholic run Radio Maria as chairperson and Chimwemwe Banda of MBC (Television) as Kimu's deputy. Members are Edward Chisambo of Blantyre Newspapers Limited (BNL), George Kasakula and Gracian Tukula of Nation Publications Limited (NPL) and Wisdom Chimgwede of Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS).
The managers said in the communiqué that they have made this commitment after noting that for the Malawi media to be successful, it requires co-operation and support from various stakeholders including but not restricted to government, civil society, faith communities, media owners, fellow professionals and the public at large which they aim to cultivate.
The other reason that has necessitated the formation of the forum is the observations that were made that although tangible strides have been achieved by most media practitioners, who are adhering to professional standards despite the challenges they face in the discharge of their duties, there are some practitioners who are still failing to uphold even the minimum ethical standards.
"We would also like to assure all stakeholders that, in discharge of our duties, we will ensure that media practitioners do their job without fear or favour, ill-will or malice [and] we shall further ensure that media practitioners...are motivated by desire for truth, justice, objectivity and fairness," pledged the media managers.
