16/12/2025
Where Is the Media Now?
By Raymond Limbani
In recent months, headlines were dominated by grim reports of fuel shortages, forex scarcity, fertilizer unavailability, food insecurity, and soaring commodity prices. The airwaves and front pages painted a picture of an economy on the brink, leaving Malawians anxious and uncertain about the future.
Today, however, the situation has markedly improved. Fuel is available, forex access has stabilized, agricultural inputs are within reach, markets are functioning, and prices—while still a concern—are no longer spiraling at the alarming pace once reported. Supporters of former President Arthur Peter Mutharika and the DPP credit these improvements to decisive leadership and sound economic management.
Yet this raises an unavoidable question: where is the media now?
If the media were vocal and relentless in highlighting the challenges, should they not be equally visible in reporting improvements? Balanced journalism demands consistency. Silence in moments of progress creates the impression of selective reporting and fuels public suspicion about bias and hidden agendas.
The role of the media is not to cheerlead for any political side, but neither is it to amplify only failure while muting success. Malawians deserve a full picture—one that reports problems when they arise and acknowledges solutions when they materialize.
A free press is vital to democracy, but so is fairness. As the country moves forward, the media must reflect honestly on its role and recommit to informing the public without fear, favor, or political alignment. Anything less risks eroding public trust and undermining the very democracy the media is meant to protect.