As economic pressures continue to affect the media industry, journalists have been encouraged to diversify their income sources as a way of strengthening personal resilience and contributing to national economic transformation.
Speaking during the Blantyre Press Club (BPC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in the commercial city on Friday, journalist and Choice Communication Solutions proprietor Geoffrey Banda said financial independence is key to professional growth.
He noted that relying on a single income stream can limit progress in today’s challenging economic environment.
“I am one of you, I am a journalist and I worked with some media houses in the country but I decided to come up with my printing company and my life has improved significantly,” said Banda.
Banda said his decision to venture into entrepreneurship after years in the newsroom proved life-changing.
He explained that establishing a printing business significantly improved his livelihood, and urged fellow journalists to explore lawful business opportunities alongside their media work.
He further advised young journalists to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to hard work, saying success requires patience and determination both within and outside the newsroom.
Addressing the meeting, Minister of Information Shadric Namalomba, challenged journalists to deepen their understanding of national development frameworks such as Malawi 2063 and political party manifestos.
He said informed reporting is essential in promoting peace, countering misinformation, and supporting democratic values in the digital age.
The Malawi Peace and Unity Commission also praised journalists for responsible reporting during the 16 September elections, while Harriet Kachimanga of the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs urged continued coverage that advances the rights of persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Vice Secretary General of the BlPC Yusuf Daisa said the media fraternity is strengthening efforts to combat fake news.
The AGM brought together key government and institutional leaders, including Minister of Information Namalomba, Secretary for the Ministry of Information Harold Msusa, Mayamiko Nkoloma, Acting Director General of MACRA, and Ali Phiri, Director General of the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission.
