Journalists in Mzimba District have been encouraged to make full use of the Access to Information (ATI) Act to strengthen reporting on parliamentary accountability and promote transparency in governance.
The call was made on Wednesday during a media training organised by the Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT), in collaboration with the Hora Press Club.
The training brought together journalists from across Mzimba District to enhance their understanding of the ATI Act and its role in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The training focused on improving media literacy, enhancing journalists’ understanding of the ATI Act, explaining the procedures for accessing parliamentary information, promoting responsible reporting on parliamentary accountability issues, and strengthening advocacy for greater public participation in governance.
CSAT Programme Coordinator Albert Lulaka said the training forms part of the organisation’s broader efforts to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills needed to produce accurate, evidence-based stories that promote accountability among public officials.
“The Access to Information Act is a powerful tool for journalists. We want media practitioners to understand how to use the law to obtain credible information that strengthens parliamentary accountability and promotes transparency in governance. Well-informed journalism enables citizens to make informed decisions and encourages public institutions to become more accountable,” said Lulaka.
He added that journalists have a responsibility to ensure that citizens have access to accurate and reliable information on how Members of Parliament and other public institutions are delivering on their mandates.
Hora Press Club Vice Chairperson Prisca Mphande described the training as timely and essential in strengthening professional journalism in the district.
“This training has come at the right time because journalists need practical knowledge on how to access public information legally and responsibly. The media plays a critical role in informing communities, promoting transparency, and encouraging citizens, especially young people, to actively monitor development projects and demand accountability from duty bearers,” said Mphande.
She said improving journalists’ understanding of the ATI Act will enhance the quality of reporting, increase public access to information, and promote greater citizen participation in governance and development processes.
During the training, participants attended practical sessions on requesting information under the ATI Act, ethical reporting, fact-checking, and effective coverage of parliamentary proceedings.
They also discussed the importance of collaboration among the media, civil society organisations, and citizens in promoting openness, transparency, and accountability.
CSAT and the Hora Press Club expressed confidence that the training will empower journalists to produce more investigative and public interest stories that help citizens better understand the work of Parliament while encouraging greater civic participation in local and national governance.
