By Suleman Chitera
Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Shadric Namalomba, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to partnering with media houses across the country, stressing that a vibrant and collaborative media sector is essential for Malawi’s development journey.
The Minister made the remarks on Saturday during the colourful launch of Linga FM Radio held at Hannock Msokera Primary School ground in Kasungu, a ceremony that attracted traditional leaders, community members, and key stakeholders in the media industry.
Namalomba hailed the birth of Linga FM as a significant milestone, noting that the station is poised to become a powerful voice for communities living in hard-to-reach areas. He said the government counts on media institutions like Linga FM to support national efforts in agriculture, health, education, governance, and economic empowerment.
“Radio remains the most reliable source of information for the majority of Malawians. We expect Linga FM to bridge information gaps, promote citizen engagement, and uphold professionalism in all its broadcasts,” Namalomba said.
He further encouraged the station’s management to champion accuracy, professionalism, and ethical reporting, saying these principles safeguard the integrity of both the media and the nation.
Linga FM Radio founder and executive director, Alex Major, applauded the government for creating an environment that supports growth in the media sector. However, he appealed for consideration regarding the annual regulatory fees paid by radio stations, pointing out that current charges pose financial pressure on emerging broadcasters.
Major emphasized that easing the fees would help media houses strengthen programming, invest in modern equipment, and expand coverage—especially to rural communities that depend heavily on radio for vital information.
“Lowering the fees would empower more stations to operate sustainably and improve their services to the people of Malawi,” Major said.
The launch of Linga FM Radio marks a new chapter in Kasungu’s media landscape, promising enhanced access to information, increased community engagement, and strengthened collaboration with the government for national development.
