Moses Kaufa

Executive Director at Media Council of Malawi; and Partner Consultant at Acts Media Factory (AMFACT)

[Moses Kaufa @MKaufa]

@MACRAMALAWI Congratulations Mayamiko Nkoloma

[Media Council of Malawi @mediacouncilmw]

@RSkinnebachEU @MISA @GoldenMatonga @malawi_police @CHRRMalawi @MalawiGovt @Times360Malawi MD Leonnard Chikadya reflected on media as a 'business' & it should be treated as such.

We must offer a platform for the voiceless to express themselves. Unfortunately, as we pursue this cause, we must bear the associated costs.

Watch 📽 for more.

[Media Council of Malawi @mediacouncilmw]

#Cocktail

We are gathered at the #BICC for a stakeholder engagement event titled "Building Bridges, Fostering Dialogue: Strengthening Media Governance in Malawi."
EU Ambassador to Malawi @RSkinnebachEU will share his reflections on media governance and freedom in Malawi.

[Moses Kaufa @MKaufa]

https://t.co/6cxIvRpcgX

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

@PressCouncil_SA @SAEditorsForum @CPJAfrica @SABCNews @SABC_MnS @npclub @News24 @eNCA @Newzroom405 @City_Press @SundayIndy @SundayTimesZA @TheCitizen_News @M_Mafrica @Billbobbird

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

The common denominator between media self-regulation and regulation by the state is that there must be some regulation of the media; the fundamental difference between the two mechanisms lies in their perceived objectives. Judge Bernard Ngoepe @PressCouncil_SA #ONO

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

#ONO @PressCouncil_SA
The media does not want to be regulated by the state because it fears censorship, whereas the state’s fear is that the media, left alone, would go overboard and should therefore be regulated. Judge Ngoepe

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

There is only one way to ward off the pressure for state regulation: it is to have an effective and credible self-regulatory mechanism; let us emphasize the words effective and credible. Judge Ngoepe #, ONO @PressCouncil_SA

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

How do we achieve such a mechanism?We need to understand and agree that self-regulation should not be a licence to allow the media to report as they wish. #ONO @PressCouncil_SA

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

People have certain basic rights which must be respected even by the media. Judge Bernard Ngoepe @PressCouncil_SA #ONO

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

In my experience, I have come across articles with flagrant disregard for the rights of the people reported on. I have come across reports based on blatant lies; I have also seen reports which showed bias and ulterior motive. Judge Ngoepe #ONO @PressCouncil_SA

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

There is therefore a need to regulate the media. If we agree on that, and we prefer self-regulation, the question is: How do we put in place an effective and credible self-regulating mechanism? Judge Ngoepe #ONO @PressCouncil_SA

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

First, there must be a clear and good code. It would be wise, in the process of compiling one, to get as much input from the general public as possible, for many reasons. It should aim to be aligned not only with the objectives of the media. Judge Ngoepe @PressCouncil_SA #ONO

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

But what is the point of having a good code, without an effective enforcement mechanism? The effectiveness of an enforcement mechanism lies, some people would say, in how deep it can bite in the event of a breach of the code
Judge Ngoepe @PressCouncil_SA #ONO

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

Champions of state regulation point to the need for stringent sanctions, backed by the might of the state. Judge Ngoepe @PressCouncil_SA #ONO

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

Their criticism of the media’s self-regulation mechanism is that no meaningful sanctions follow. Judge Ngoepe @PressCouncil_SA #ONO

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

@PressCouncil_SA #ONO Judge Bernard Ngoepe Yet the public must find the system credible, both in the adjudication process, as well as in the sanctioning of offensive conduct.

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

It behoves those who make rulings in the enforcement of the code and professional standards, to give full and clear reasons for their decisions. Judge Ngoepe @PressCouncil_SA #ONO

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

These values serve as a point of reference to guide us from the bad towards the good, or even towards the best. I don’t think any school of journalism alone can instil those values in an individual. Judge Ngoepe @PressCouncil_SA #ONO

[Themba Sepotokele @themba_s16]

They are, or should be, part of our culture. In the normal course of events, we learn these values from the time we are still young; as we grow, we learn more and more about them in our social environment. Judge Ngoepe @PressCouncil_SA #ONO