TVM, MBC merger near completion

“The task force will present the final report on the merger to the department by the end of this month [January]," said principal secretary for public reforms in the office of the president and cabinet, Willie Samute.

Government is resolute to have the two institutions become one entity called Malawi Broadcasting Services to operate under one management and board of directors.

Employees of the two institutions have received the merger plans with some reservations since fears are that heads will roll, as retrenchment is inevitable.

Minister of Information and Civic education Leckford Thoto however said on 13 January 2010 that none of the employees will lose their jobs following the merger.

“In the case of retrenchments, those employees would be absorbed in other government departments. It's being done in a way that nobody should lose a job,” he assured.

Currently, the two institutions, which operate from the commercial city of Blantyre, have different boards, management and operate from different premises as entirely independent institutions.