Brian Banda’s recent appointment as Director General of the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), succeeding his ex-workmate turned ‘nemesis’ George Kasakula, has established Times Group as the primary media house in Malawi, with its journalists securing prestigious roles in the current administration, following the shift from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Notably, Cathy Maulidi has transitioned from Times reporter to Press Secretary for President Arthur Peter Mutharika, shortly after gaining recognition for her reporting on State House damage issues last October.
Additionally, Leah Malekano is now the Deputy Director of Government Communication at the Ministry of Information after just six months with Times.
These journalists played a vital role in collectively aiding Times Group in maintaining its strong reputation through award-winning platforms like Times TV, Radio, and Print.
Key roles in the new administration are filled by former Times journalists, including Deogratias Mmana as Director of Communication, Davie Gadama as Chihana’s Press Officer, Sam Kaimira as PRO/PA at the Ministry of Transport, and both Henry Chulu and Emmanuel Sipokwe as Presidential Videographer and Photographer.
In total, five former Times Group journalists have secured pivotal positions in the current government.Meanwhile, Banda, previously the host of Hot Current on Times TV, has been praised for his candid discussions on governmental accountability.
Yet, concerns are rising about whether Times Group can continue to challenge the new administration now that several journalists have allied with the government.
In an interview with Malawi24, seasoned political analyst George Chaima expressed his worries about the growing number of appointments from Times Group.
“The more appointments made from Times Group, the more it diminishes the media’s reliable voice. It must have weakened it somehow,” he stated.
However, Chaima emphasized that Times Group should take pride in shaping professional journalists who can enhance the largest state broadcast, provided that politics doesn’t interfere with their professionalism.
“I have observed that the media-DPP relationship was initially fraught. Remember, it was DPP members who harassed George Kasakula right after they took power.
Nevertheless, credit goes to the DPP government for condemning that act and harmonizing relations with the media,” Chaima concluded.
Hope Musukwa, a journalism lecturer at Lilongwe University and former Times Group Bureau Chief, said, “It is a loss to Times Group and the media industry. Additionally, it will take time for Times Group to groom talent of that level to replace its treasured and celebrated journalists who are now government employees.”
Additionally, netizen Alex Namanja commented on Banda’s appointment, stating, “This is good news, but please, Government, don’t just appoint the same people who already have top jobs from well-known media institutions. I respect and salute him, but sometimes you should also look to other powerful renowned journalists.”
Conversely, some netizens indicated they would closely monitor Banda’s actions at MBC, noting past experiences that demonstrate how state-owned media can be exploited by ruling politicians, thereby compromising its professionalism.
As these Times Group journalists assume significant roles in the current administration, is it a strategy by the DPP to silence dissent?
