Nation Online, the digital platform of Nation Publications Limited (NPL), has scooped the Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi Best Electronic Media House (Online) of the Year Award.

During Misa Malawi World Press Freedom Day Awards dominated by Times Media Group in Lilongwe on Saturday, NPL journalists also carted home five individual accolades.

NPL investigative journalist Bobby Kabango won a hat-trick of awards in business and economics journalist of the year, best urban development journalist of the year and best education journalist categories.

NPL arts and entertainment editor Edith Gondwe retained the Columnist of the Year Award for her Candid Talk column published in Nation On Sunday while former features writer Angela Phiri bagged the Child Health Journalist of the Year Award.

Kainja hoists the trophy cheered on by colleague Precious Kumbani

Times Media Group won the best media house of the year in print, radio and television categories while individual awards in the rest of the categories were largely split between Times Group, Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS), Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ) and Nkhoma Synod Radio.

Speaking during the gala night, Minister of Information and Digitisation Moses Kunkuyu said government is keen to see a thriving media industry in the country.

He said the relationship between government and the media needs to be one of partnership not rivalry.

“We [the press and government] are partners and we have a people to serve. May I assure you that you have a friend in President Lazarus Chakwera and me,” Kunkuyu said.

United States of America Ambassador David Young in his keynote address said freedom of the press is critical for any country’s growth and democracy.

He expressed concern over Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority‘s decision to close some radio stations in the country over outstanding lecence fees.

Said Young: “It is concerning, therefore, to see that radio space is gradually shrinking in Malawi as radio stations close due to the revocation of licences.

“We urge continued dialogue among the various radio stations, Macra, stakeholders such as Misa, and the Parliament to quickly find workable solutions that promote growth in the radio industry and allow radio stations to remain open.”

Outgoing Misa Malawi chairperson Teresa Ndanga said during her six-year tenure of office, the organisation made tremendous strides in ensuring that the media operates as freely as possible in the country

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