NCST instills interests in Malawi’s media science reporting
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) has built confidence in Malawi’s media for effective science and technology reporting
NCST Acting Director of Planning Kondwani Victor Gondwe observes that science remains uncovered fully in the media yet drives any country development through researches.
Gondwe disclosed that science sector receives minimal coverage because majority of the journalists do not understand its importance to the social and economic growth of the nation.
Gondwe was speaking in Mponela, Dowa, on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 during a one-day orientation workshop that drew journalists from a number of media institutions in Malawi.
He observed that many journalists are afraid of reporting on science and technology because they think the subjects are either too complicated for them to understand or too boring for their audience.’
However, Gondwe said that with the proper preparation, and by following a few simple rules, reporting science and technology can be one of the most interesting jobs a journalist can do.
“Hence, we organized this orientation to appraise our journalists so that they gain knowledge and skills that can enable them to report effectively on science and technology.
“We believe that empowering our journalists is very critical in terms of creating stories that should help Malawians to learn what science, technology and innovation is and how they can use science products in our economy,” he said.
Gondwe stated that the orientation is part of the initiatives the Commission is undertaking to bridge a gap that exists in media coverage on the subject.
In his presentation, National Planning Commission (NPC) Research Manager Dr. Andrew Jamali., said aggressive reporting science and technology can help Malawi fast-track attainment of Malawi 2063 – the country’s long-term development agenda.
Jamali said the media is therefore supposed to act as a bridge between the world of science and their communities.
“You do not have to understand the whole of any field of science yourself, but you must not write anything you do not understand. If you write something you do not understand, you risk making errors,” he said.
The training attracted participants from print, electronic and online media houses in the central region.
NCST is a government parastatal responsible for the enhancement and promotion of science and technology in Malawi.
