The Board of Directors of the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has appointed Brian Banda as the new Director General, replacing George Kasakula, who was dismissed over allegations of misconduct.
Banda’s appointment takes effect from March 16.
In a letter seen by Malawi24, the Board confirmed that Banda will assume full executive responsibility for the management and strategic direction of the national broadcaster.
Board Chairperson Benson Tembo said the Board believes Banda’s appointment is a significant step toward strengthening leadership within the institution.
“The Board believes that Mr. Banda’s appointment marks an important step in strengthening institutional leadership and advancing the mandate of the Corporation in delivering credible, professional,l and public-interest broadcasting services to the people of Malawi,” reads part of the letter.
The Board has since urged management and staff at MBC to support Banda as he assumes his new role.
Malawians are keen to see how Banda will lead the public broadcaster, especially considering his previous remarks while working at the private media house Times Group, where he openly criticized MBC for allegedly becoming politicized under the leadership of former Director General George Kasakula.
Banda takes over the position while Kasakula remains under arrest on several charges.
The two previously worked together as hosts of the television programme Hot Current on Times Television before Kasakula later joined MBC during the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administration.
