By Rose Cross Mahorya

Mzuzu, June 28, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has asked journalists to write more investigative stories on governance issues particularly those brought in the public domain by social media influencers.

The organization’s District Program Manager for Rumphi and Mzimba North, Freency Mapanga made the remarks on Thursday in Mzuzu during an orientation workshop for journalists drawn from the city and surrounding areas.

Mapanga said it is the duty of trained journalists to investigate issues reported by social media influencers so that the general public gets verified information.

"Due to increased flow of information to the general public, more people are taking up the role of citizen journalists by reporting issues taking place in communicates on various platforms including social media.

"However it is only journalists that can verify that information and even investigate deeper into the issues, hence the refresher training organized to facilitate the same," said Mapanga.

One of the trainees and Chairperson for Nyika Media Club, an umbrella body for journalists in the northern region, Feston Malekezo commended NICE Trust for the training.

He acknowledged that, even though social influencers may be good whistle blowers, the information they share needs trained journalists to investigate.

"We know that with increased access to information, there is a flood of information being shared by citizens on various forums. However, journalists have a duty to follow up on such tips and investigate because a majority of Malawians rely on formal media institutions to confirm some claims," he said.

Amongst other things, the training involved discussion of ways in which citizen journalism and investigative journalism can work together to ensure proper information dissemination.