Community broadcasters from 12 community media outlets across Malawi have acquired advanced radio production skills after attending a five-day Advanced Essential Journalism Skills training that MISA Malawi organised in Lilongwe.
The training took place at MISA Malawi’s Mtolankhani House between Monday July 12 and Friday July 16, 2021.
One of the participants, Mayamiko Nyirenda of Voice of Livingstonia Radio in Mzuzu said the training has taught her research skills in broadcasting.
“Before this training, I could not go deeper and do thorough research before arranging and conducting an interview. Now I know the importance of understanding both the source and the content before going into any news or programme interview,” Nyirenda said.
Hope Nyondo, Programmes Manager at Dzimwe Community Radio in Monkey Bay, Mangochi said he has learned the best ways of handling stubborn sources to ensure that they still provide desired information.
Nyondo also said digital audio editing topic has helped him acquire techniques on how to produce quality radio materials using adobe audition.
Gaka Community Radio reporter Charity Alufinali said, through the training, she now understands better her responsibilities as a broadcaster.
Frazer Chamadenga of Chanco Community Radio in Zomba said he has learned how to avoid disseminating destructive information.
“I have learned that we have to be responsible and accountable to our listeners, sources, media houses and the community in general. As broadcasters, we should always use facts or verifiable information,” Chamadenga said.
Reporter for Salima-based Chisomo Community Radio Veronica Mwenda said she has learned how to double check sources before using their information on radio.
MISA Malawi trainers Suzgo Chitete and Emmanuel Kondowe facilitated the training physically while DW Akademie trainer Andreas Lange facilitated virtually from his Germany base.
Chitete said community media outlets are the next being thing and community broadcasters need to gain certain skills for them to perform.
“Journalism is an art and we learn every day. When we come together, we share experiences and learn from one another,” Chitete said.
The training is part of journalism education activities that MISA Malawi is implementing in partnership with DW Akademie, Germany’s leading organization for media development.
