The Evangelical association of Malawi (EAM) has called on Journalists in Karonga District to refrain from sensational reporting ahead of 2025 general election in order to promote peace in the District.
EAM’s Advocacy Officer for Karonga District Fumbanani Mwale made this appeal today during a peace-building engagement meeting that the organization conducted with Karonga Press Club (KPC) at NICE Trust Karonga Office.
“There is need to refrain from sensational type of journalism where people just want to make a name as news breakers without necessarily considering consequences that might occur following their reports,” he said.
He has since pointed out the need for upholding journalism standards of ethics to ensure that reports and news being disseminated are impartial and well researched.
Speaking after the meeting, Secretary for Karonga District Peace and Unity Committee (DPUC), Aaron Mwenelupembe who was among facilitators said the meeting is supplementing efforts of peace building which they are doing.
“As a committee, we have put in place strategies that will promote peace in the district like promoting early warning and reporting structures at Traditional Authority levels and engaging youth as tools to speeding up reporting of cases of conflict, so such a meeting supplements the efforts of peace building,” he said.
Karonga District Information Officer, George Mponda has since hailed EAM for engaging the media on peace building acknowledging the significant role journalists play in fostering peace.
“Karonga is one of districts that report cases of conflict, so such a training with reporters is essential because as journalists we have power to reach out to the masses and we can be very instrumental in bringing about peace through our reporting.
EAM conducted the peace building engagement meeting with Karonga based journalists who are operating under the banner Karonga Press Club (KPC) through a peace building project called churches united for peace, justice and electoral governance.