Minister of Information and Communications Technology Shadric Namalomba has urged Linga FM to help strengthen governance, public accountability and community development.
Namalomba made the remarks Tuesday afternoon as he presided over the official launch of the national radio station at Hannock Msokela Primary School ground in Linga Village, Traditional Authority Mwase.
He said radio remains a vital link between citizens and the state, adding that government expects broadcasters to play a central role in communicating development programmes and tracking the use of public resources.
“Radio stations are a bridge. They serve the people; they connect the government and the people. We expect them to assist government to govern properly,” Namalomba said.
He added that Linga FM should help communities monitor the implementation of projects funded through constituency development allocations, saying district councils must collaborate more with local media to enhance transparency.
The minister urged the station to prioritise factual reporting and counter disinformation.
He said that despite Malawi’s current economic challenges, including rising living costs and food insecurity, broadcasters must help promote resilience.
“Information that is shared to the people must be factual and correct. There should not be misinformation and disinformation. We are challenging them to be agents of hope. Malawi can transform,” he said.
Industry concerns also featured prominently, with Namalomba confirming that government is reviewing broadcasting licence fees following persistent complaints from media houses.
In his words, Linga FM Managing Director Alex Major said Malawians should expect a station committed to informing and educating the public.
“Malawians should expect the best from us. We want to help our people by disseminating information that is lacking and to educate the masses. We have come to stay, and we want to be the best among our colleagues,” said Major.
He however said running a radio station remains financially demanding due to high equipment costs, taxes and dependence on rented infrastructure.
Major added that Malawi’s limited broadcasting infrastructure continues to constrain media development.
“To run a radio is very expensive. The equipment is expensive, and we want to ask government to consider reducing or scrapping some of the levies and taxes on equipment so we can help the industry grow.
“Very few radio stations in Malawi have their own towers. We are all co-siting and renting, and this is impinging on our plans,” he said.
Media leaders, including MISA Malawi chairperson Golden Matonga and Media Council of Malawi chairperson Moses Kaufa, attended the launch alongside members of Parliament, district council representatives, chiefs and residents.
Matonga praised Major for giving back to the community and urged government to support a more sustainable and accessible media sector.
Linga FM, established in 2022, operates from its main studios in Lilongwe’s Area 14 and broadcasts nationally on 99.2 FM in the Southern and Northern regions, 99.4 FM in the Central Region, and online.
Its programming covers education, health, economics, agriculture, politics, environment, sports and a wide range of community-focused content designed to inform and empower audiences across the country.