By Burnett Munthali
On Thursday, 27 March 2025, Gregory Gondwe had the privilege of speaking as a panelist at #ISOJ2025 in Austin, Texas, where he addressed the Global Challenges to Journalism.
The event brought together journalists and media experts from around the world to discuss pressing issues facing the industry. Gondwe, a seasoned journalist, shared valuable insights on the various challenges journalists encounter globally.
From political interference and legal restrictions to economic vulnerabilities and the technological spread of disinformation, journalists around the world continue to work under immense pressure.
These challenges are increasingly impacting the quality and integrity of journalism, as media houses struggle to maintain independence and uphold truth. Gondwe emphasized that the battle to preserve press freedom remains a constant and evolving struggle, especially in countries with fragile democratic systems.
He particularly focused on the situation in Malawi, where media freedom is frequently compromised by political interests. Gondwe explained that journalists in Malawi face regular obstacles, including arbitrary arrests, harassment, and intimidation, all designed to stifle dissent and suppress critical reporting.
Additionally, the country has restrictive laws like the Electronic Transaction and Cybersecurity Act, which have been used to curtail media freedom. These laws have raised concerns among journalists and media houses, as they are often employed to silence those who report on sensitive or controversial issues.
Gondwe also highlighted the personal risks faced by investigative journalists, drawing on his own experiences with PIJ Malawi. This organization has been at the forefront of investigative reporting in the country, but their pursuit of truth has often come at a heavy cost.
Journalists in Malawi, like Gondwe himself, have had to contend with the fear of retaliation, violence, and even imprisonment, just for doing their jobs. These risks are a daily reality for many journalists working under such oppressive conditions.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, Gondwe firmly believes that investigative journalism remains vital for the functioning of democracy. He stressed that a free press is an essential pillar for transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights.
“We must continue advocating for environments where journalists can operate freely, fairly, and without fear,” he urged, emphasizing that the fight for press freedom is far from over.
It is crucial that both local and international communities support journalists who work under hostile conditions, as their role in ensuring a healthy democracy cannot be overstated. Gondwe’s message at #ISOJ2025 was clear: the struggle for media freedom is global, and it requires a collective effort to safeguard the future of journalism.
