CHIKWAWA, Malawi — Chivomelezi FM, based in Malawi’s flood-prone Chikwawa District, won its first national award four years after going on air. The station was named Best Community Radio Station in Malawi at the annual Media Awards Ceremony on May 3. The event was organized by MISA Malawi, the national chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa, as part of World Press Freedom Day commemorations.
The award category was sponsored by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) and included a trophy, a laptop and MWK 2 million (about USD 1,150) in prize money. Chivomelezi was selected from more than 20 community stations across the country.
MISA Malawi said the station was recognized for its impactful programming, especially flood-related broadcasts that helped save lives in vulnerable communities. “Our messages have inspired entire villages to relocate to safer, upland areas. For example, one of our broadcasts led a whole village in East Bank to move to higher ground to avoid flood risks,” said Blessings Melo, founder and director of the station.
Supporting disadvantaged learners
Melo said the station reports local, national and international news with the depth of a national broadcaster. In addition to journalism, it supports 58 disadvantaged learners across 11 schools in the Mgabu area and runs several community upliftment projects, including a livestock donation scheme for vulnerable families.
The station sustains itself without external funding through income-generating activities such as a nursery school, primary school, farm and cattle ranch.
“We’ll keep doing what made us win this award and introduce even more programs that serve our audience. This award must stay with us,” said Melo. He noted, however, that the station sometimes suffers transmission breaks due to the lack of a backup transmitter. “We’d love support from well-wishers to help us get a backup transmitter,” he said, adding that the team also plans to acquire boats to assist with flood rescues.
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