The Malawi Human Rights Commission will investigate poor working conditions for junior journalists. Media scholar Davie Danford Mchinga sent a petition about their low pay. Many reporters survive on small handouts from news sources because their salaries cannot cover basic needs. Senior media figures often ignore these problems, leaving entry-level staff struggling.
Mchinga asked officials to question media companies about underpaying workers despite labor laws. He wants answers from the Media Council of Malawi about why they demand high standards but ignore staff welfare. The petition also questions why journalists lack a labor union. MHRC Executive Secretary Habiba Osman confirmed that they received the complaint. She promised urgent action as protecting human rights falls under their duties. The commission plans to share findings with the public after completing their work. Research from 2013 showed that most Malawian journalists earn far less than a living wage.
Mchinga asked officials to question media companies about underpaying workers despite labor laws. He wants answers from the Media Council of Malawi about why they demand high standards but ignore staff welfare. The petition also questions why journalists lack a labor union. MHRC Executive Secretary Habiba Osman confirmed that they received the complaint. She promised urgent action as protecting human rights falls under their duties. The commission plans to share findings with the public after completing their work. Research from 2013 showed that most Malawian journalists earn far less than a living wage.
