MACRA Facilitates Training Workshop for CHANCO Radio & TV

To uphold professionalism, develop, and motivate its staff, CHANCO Radio and TV, a community broadcaster run by the University of Malawi, recently hosted a two-day training workshop organized by a team from the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA). The team, consisting of experts from various fields, aimed to share knowledge with the staff and also gain insights from them.

According to one of the facilitators, Mrs. Matilda Bande, the Director of Broadcasting at MACRA, the team came upon receiving an invitation from CHANCO Radio and TV. In an interview, she pointed out it is one of MACRA’s obligations to provide training.

“In our mandate, we do this kind of training, but normally we do training in general for all broadcasters,” she said. “This workshop was unique because they wanted us to train all of their staff members. When we conduct our general training it’s not feasible for all CHANCO radio and TV staff members to attend as we only invite a few members from each broadcaster.”

She also highlighted the significance of community broadcasters, noting that they have a deep understanding of their community’s needs and challenges. She urged CHANCO Radio and TV to, therefore, continue paying attention to their audience and being involved in community activities to remain relevant.

Mr. Gracious Mulinga, the Station Officer at CHANCO Radio and TV, stated that the workshop was part of the station's broader goal of promoting staff development and motivation. This was to ensure that the staff stayed updated with current industry practices, enhancing their service to the audience.

“This training brought us various insights into the dynamic world of broadcasting. It especially highlighted best practices, given that the facilitators themselves are seasoned broadcasters who went on to take up various positions at the regulatory body,” he remarked.

The training covered all aspects of the industry, including news writing, reporting, and editing. The facilitators discussed essential topics such as ethical broadcasting practices, the importance of thorough preparation, and the adoption of new digital technologies like social media and websites as supplementary platforms to traditional channels. Participants were also cautioned about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, which could tarnish the reputation of radio and TV.

The workshop included a Q&A session, allowing participants to seek clarification on various issues from the facilitators.