MBC ACTING DIRECTOR GENERAL CHIWONI VOWS TO TRANSFORM , REFORM THE STATE BROADCASTER INTO A DRIVER OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Acting Director General of the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), Mr. Moses Blair Bywell Chiwoni, has pledged to comprehensively reform and transform the national broadcaster to better serve both Government and the people of Malawi, in line with the leadership vision of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for a free, fair, professional, and independent public broadcaster.
Mr. Chiwoni, a seasoned Malawian public sector executive with over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in ICT strategy, digital transformation, systems governance, and institutional reform, brings to MBC a strong record of modernising public institutions and restoring operational integrity.
He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) specialising in Information and Communication Technology, a Bachelor of Social Science, and a Diploma in Accounting, qualifications that uniquely position him to balance editorial independence, digital innovation, and financial sustainability at the Corporation.
Speaking on his reform agenda, Mr. Chiwoni emphasised the central role of MBC in Malawi’s democratic and development journey, stating:
“A strong public broadcaster is not a political mouthpiece, but a national mirror—reflecting truth, amplifying voices, and inspiring progress in the service of all Malawians.”
His vision aligns with President Mutharika’s commitment to transforming MBC into “a trusted, independent, digitally enabled, and financially sustainable public broadcaster that informs, educates, and unites the nation.”
Mr. Chiwoni acknowledged that MBC faces significant institutional and credibility challenges arising from past governance and operational weaknesses. He said his leadership will focus on restoring professionalism, public trust, and institutional integrity, while ensuring that MBC fully adheres to its public service mandate.
STRATEGIC REFORM AGENDA UNDER THE ACTING DIRECTOR GENERAL
- Restoring Credibility, Trust, and Editorial Professionalism •Reaffirm MBC’s mandate as a public service broadcaster, not a partisan platform. •Strengthen editorial policies, ethical standards, and professional accountability. •Promote balanced, factual, and development-oriented programming that earns public confidence. •Protect journalists and producers through clear and transparent editorial governance structures.
- Digital Transformation of Broadcasting Operations
Drawing on his extensive experience in leading national digital systems, the Acting Director General will:
•Modernise broadcast infrastructure, studios, and transmission systems.
•Introduce digital newsroom and content management systems.
•Expand MBC’s presence across online, mobile, and social media platforms.
•Strengthen cybersecurity, data protection, and digital resilience.
•Commence digitisation of MBC archives to preserve Malawi’s broadcast heritage.
- Financial Sustainability and Operational Efficiency
Leveraging his background in accounting and public finance, Mr. Chiwoni will:
•Strengthen financial controls, transparency, and budget discipline.
•Reduce operational inefficiencies and wastage.
•Diversify revenue streams through advertising reforms, digital content monetisation, partnerships, and sponsored programming—without compromising editorial independence.
•Gradually reduce over-reliance on government subventions while safeguarding public interest programming.
- Human Capital Development and Institutional Culture Change •Re-skill staff in digital broadcasting, multimedia journalism, and modern production techniques. •Introduce performance management systems aligned to clear institutional outputs. •Promote merit-based progression, mentorship, and leadership development. •Foster a culture of professionalism, innovation, teamwork, and ethical conduct.
- Governance, Risk Management, and Accountability •Strengthen internal controls, compliance mechanisms, and audit responsiveness. •Improve ICT, operational, and reputational risk management. • Align MBC governance practices with national legislation and international public broadcasting standards.
- MBC as a Driver of National Development •Position MBC as a key platform for civic education, national dialogue, disaster communication, youth engagement, and cultural promotion. •Expand local language programming to reflect Malawi’s cultural diversity. •Strengthen partnerships with educational institutions, civil society organisations, and regional broadcasters. •Align programming with Malawi 2063 and national development priorities.
Mr. Chiwoni has called upon all Malawians, stakeholders, and MBC staff to support the reform agenda, stressing that rebuilding the Corporation requires collective commitment, professionalism, and shared national purpose.
“This transformation is not about personalities, but about restoring MBC to its rightful place as a broadcaster that truly serves the President, the Government, and the people of Malawi with integrity and excellence,” he said.
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