THEME: Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation
Overview
The Malawi Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi) will this year celebrate World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) under the theme ‘Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation’, to focus on the essential role that the media plays in supporting elections and democracy, especially in the face of increasing challenges of disinformation, declining trust in the news media and intimidation and attacks on journalists.
The celebrations will be held at Sunbird Mzuzu Hotel in Mzuzu on Friday May 3 and Saturday May 4.
‘Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation’ reminds us of the challenges of ‘fake news’ and others of our time and the need to find sustainable ways of addressing them.
The celebrations provide a unique opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the state of media freedom and access to information and the challenges of our time, as the country gears up for the second Tripartite Elections in May 2019.
All stakeholders – government, Civil Society, the academia and ordinary citizens will have an opportunity to discuss developments around freedom of expression and the role of a free and independent media in among others countering fake news and contributing to a free, fair and credible elections.
Professional journalism is not only critical or essential but it’s the panacea to most of the challenges of our time. Professional journalism helps counter disinformation and it is the only option that people have to access accurate and relevant information to make informed decisions. Professional reporting is critical at all times, but indispensable during elections as it helps people to make informed decisions to help shape the future of their country. This is the focus of WPFD celebrations this year.
Day one of the two-day celebration will host a workshop on Data Journalism.
Day two activities will include: Aerobics, Freedom March, Debate on Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation, MISA Malawi’s AGM and the Media Awards Gala Dinner.
World Press Freedom Day Programme
Friday, 3rd May 2019, Sunbird Mzuzu Hotel, Mzuzu
Data Journalism
13:00 – 13:30 Arrival and registration
13:30 – 13:45 Opening remarks by MISA Malawi and the Basel Institute
13:45 – 14:30 Presentation one: The essence of Data Journalism, Basel Institute
14:30 – 15:00 Plenary
15:00 – 15:15 Tea Break
15:15 – 16:00 Presentation Two: Open Source Investigation in the Malawian Context, Chris Roper
ANCR/Code for Africa
16:00 – 16:30 Plenary
16:30 – 16:50 Resolutions and Way forward
16:50 – 17:00 Closing remarks
End of Friday’s programme
Saturday, 4th May 2019, Mzuzu
Aerobics Session
Venue: Mzuzu Upper Stadium
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 am
Charges: MK2000 Per head
Freedom March
07:30 – 09:00 Freedom March
- Mzuzu Upper Stadium to St. John of God Complex via Kaning’ina Round About, Mzuzu Highway, Katoto Filling Station
09:00 – 09:20 Arrival and registration at St. John of God Complex
09:20 – 09:30 Welcome remarks: MISA Malawi Chairperson and the US Embassy Public Affairs Officer
09:30 – 10:45 Panel discussion: Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation
10:45 – 12:00 End of meeting
End of Saturday morning programme
Annual General Meeting (AGM): Building an informed nation through Professional Journalism
Venue: St John of God Complex Centre
13:00 – 13:30 Registration
13:30 – 13:45 Welcome remarks, apologies and introductions
13:45 – 14:00 Presentation and approval of minutes
14:00 – 14:30 Matters arising
14:30 – 14:45 Chapter/ Chairperson’s report
14:45 – 15:00 Treasurer’s report
15:00 – 15:30 Closure
End of AGM
Football and netball games
Venue: Katoto Ground
- Netball: Northern Region Media Team vs South/Central Select Team
- Football: Northern Region Media Team vs South/Central Select Team
Gala dinner programme
18:00 – 18:30 Arrival of guests
18:30 – 19:00 All guests seated
19:00 – 19:15 Arrival of Guest of Honour
19:15 – 19:50 Opening prayer, remarks and speeches
- Welcome remarks, Misa Malawi Chairperson
- Remarks by UNICAF University representative
- Remarks by UN resident representative
- Keynote speaker: Malawi Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Jane Ansah
- Remarks by Guest of Honour: Minister of Information, and Communications Technology, Hon Henry Mussa
19:50 – 20:35 Dinner
20:35 – 22:00 Presentation of Awards: Awards Committee Chairperson
22:00 til late Dance floor opens
