By Ernest Mfunya

Mangochi, May 4, Mana. Secretary for Information, Baldwin Chiyamwaka has said government is working on National Government Communication Policy and National Communication Strategy which are expected to guide all communication processes.

Chiyamwaka made the remarks during a panel discussion held at Fort Johnston Hotel in Mangochi where members from various media houses met to commemorate World Press Freedom Day which falls on May 3 every year.

He said the National Government Communications Policy and strategy are aimed at harnessing and coordinating all forms of information and communications in the country.

"We have the Communications Act which is regulatory in nature, but this strategy will ensure how we can operationalize government and public communications and coordinate all forms of information," said Chiyamwaka.

During the panel discussion media representatives expressed concerns over poor welfare and low salaries in their respective media houses.

However, Chiyamwaka said good policies are demand driven and urged journalists to demand what they want using the institution such as MISA Malawi and Media Council of Malawi.

“When you look at human rights based approach there is demand and supply sides and the same applies to the media because it’s the media itself that knows what's good for them,” he said.

The Information Secretary said government is committed to ensure good welfare of the media personnel in both public and private sectors.

Chairperson for Media Council of Malawi Dr. Jolly Ntaba said dissatisfactory economic welfare is one of the factors that negatively affect the media in Malawi, observing that low salaries have negative impact on the welfare of the media practitioners which in turn affect their profession.

He has since urged journalists to develop and invest in themselves, citing upgrading in educational qualifications rather than waiting for organizations to improve their welfare.

“It is imperative for journalists to invest in themselves and do personal developments. Add more education to what they have and look at opportunities that the new media platforms are offering by becoming an entrepreneur within the media industry,” said Ntaba.