By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, November 21, Mana; The Vice President of the Republic of Malawi Dr. Micheal Usi has highlighted the importance of access to information saying it’s a fundamental right to Malawians.

Speaking during the launch of MBC2 On the Go, at MBC Area 4 studios in Lilongwe, Usi said televisions provide the basics of information, education and entertainment.

“Broadcasting images and sounds becomes an integral part of how people imagine, understand, and form judgments. Therefore, the responsibility that accompanies this power is immense.

“No one can doubt that the mass media, the field of broadcasting have a very important place in contemporary society. The broadcasters form an important and influential bridge, a crucial channel, between government and people,” he said.

Usi also added that the development plans of the government for all parts of the country will not succeed without adequate provision for channels of information, that is both for information to the people and information from the people.

The Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu, noted that the use of television creates lasting impression in human memory and it is critical in influencing perceptions and attitudes.

“I would therefore urge program producers to use the power of the media to transform the image of Malawi and the continent in general by sharing Malawi’s inspiring and motivational stories and technology innovations with the world,” said Kunkuyu.

Meanwhile, Board Chairperson of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Rev. Vasco Kachipapa said their goal is to be relevant and engage Malawians intensely while modernising ways of working and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

“With the imminent migration to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), MBC’s aim is to create a sustainable platform for broadcasting and content distribution in the digital age,” he said.