By Evance Chisiano

Mangochi, May 5, Mana:  The 2024 Misa media awards, Times Group emerged number one media house of the year TV category and top media house of the year in the print category while Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) took position one in the media house of the year, radio category.

The awards presentation and gala was part of the World Press Freedom Day commemorations which took place Saturday evening at Sun bird Nkopola in Mangochi.

According to the judges Times TV remains unbiased in its presentation of news and other programmes that engages the public and that Times newspapers uncover issues of public concerns such as corruption and poor governance in both public and private sector,

The Judges rated ZBS radio as number one station that was unbiased in news presentation and programming and at the 2024 facilitates public engagement on issues of national concerns.

The hall was filled with jubilation as the two media houses went in front to receive their awards with chants of self praises to celebrate their recognition as most outstanding media entities.

Others that jumped to their feet in jubilation were individuals that won trophies and prizes in various categories such as photo journalist of the year.

Bembeke FM of Dedza and Chanco Community Radio Station of Zomba saw their reporters winning trophies sand prizes mostly laptops.

National Bank of Malawi, Malawi Communication Authority (Macra), FDH bank, Ekhaya Luxury Resorts, Gazette Media, Lilongwe Water Board, Old Mutual, US Embassy, Water Aid, Plan Malawi, the British High Commission were some of those that sponsored categories in the 2024 Misa Media Awards.    

Before the award presentation, Kunkuyu said government would ensure press freedom and would not stop the media from discharging their duties saying the media plays a crucial role in national development.

“We will stand with all that will stand to protect freedom of the press,” Kunkuyu said, adding that government was committed to promoting and defending press freedom against all forces that impinge on the press freedom.

US Embassy Charge d' Affaires, Amy Diaz said the US value press freedom saying media freedom part of true democracy, adding that press freedom and democracy go hand in hand.

She said the media in the country is defender of democracy, adding that the US Embassy would partner with the media in contributing to fair and credible elections.

Commissioner responsible for Media and Civic Education at the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Francis Kasaila said the Commission values the role of the press in informing citizens on electoral matters.

2024 World Press freedom Day was commemorated under the theme ’guardians of democracy; Championing Free and Independent Media for Credible Elections’.

He disclosed that MEC would ensure that the media was well oriented on the electoral process and amended electoral laws before 2025 general elections.