By Suleman Chitera
Blantyre, Malawi — The Chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter, Mr. Matonga, has revealed that the organization recently held a face-to-face meeting with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Director General, Mr. George Kasakula, over alleged “insulting and disrespectful” remarks against former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Matonga said MISA Malawi, accompanied by its legal team, visited MBC headquarters to caution Kasakula and remind him of his responsibility as the head of a public broadcaster.
“We personally went to MBC with our lawyers to meet Mr. Kasakula. We advised him to stop using the state broadcaster to insult or mock the former President. We reminded him that MBC belongs to all Malawians, not a political party,” said Matonga.
According to MISA, the meeting followed growing concerns from the public and media stakeholders about the tone and content of certain MBC programs which allegedly ridicule opposition leaders and glorify those in power.
However, Matonga disclosed that Kasakula refused to comply, insisting that he had the right to express himself and would not stop.
“He told us directly that he would not stop because he has the right to say what he wants,” Matonga added.
MISA Malawi has since condemned what it calls “unprofessional conduct” at the national broadcaster and urged MBC management to maintain neutrality, fairness, and professionalism in all its programming.
The organization further emphasized that the role of MBC as a state-owned institution is to serve all citizens equally, regardless of their political affiliation.
Media watchdogs have in recent years accused MBC of bias, particularly during election periods, with calls mounting for reforms to ensure editorial independence.
