Media Houses formulate Mount Soche Declaration

The recent outburst by president Arthur Peter Mutharika against some media outlets in the country has forced Media Council of Malawi, MISA Malawi and 9 private media houses to come up with Mount Soche Declaration.

The relationship between Mutharika and other media houses turned sour following reporting related to his prolonged stay in United States.

“Media houses have agreed to have news from the Head of State and cabinet ministers given a blackout in their outlets, shunning presidential press conferences and seek courts intervention among others issues,” reads the Declaration.

According to the media houses, the decision has been reached to show government that are not tolerating its tactic to silence them.

In his response Minister of Information Malison Ndau says government is not shken by the move.

“Let the media houses explain to Malawians their role,” said Ndau.

Meanwhile, activist Billy Banda has urged media houses to reflect and engage in constructive dialogue with government.

“The media needs to reflect on its role to serve local masses hence the need to approach the recent disagreement consciously,”Banda said.

He said the media is a very important for social and economic development.