RADIOTIGABANE BACKGROUND
Radio Tigabane is a local radio broadcasting station operating under the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu in Northern Malawi. The radio was officially launched in December 2005, under proprietorship of the Bishop of Mzuzu Catholic Diocese. The Radio license was issued by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA). The radio broadcasts to the wider part of the Northern Region and some north parts of the Central Region such as Nkhamenya, Chatoloma, Mphomwa and Bowe, which fall under Mzuzu Diocese.
Radio Tigabane was established to carry out, “a holistic evangelization that takes care of spiritual as well as socio–economic needs” of both the rural and urban population in the region. To carry out this mission, the radio does so without discrimination of any kind against anybody on the basis of gender, religion or race. Nevertheless, the special religious and catholic character of the radio is preserved and guarded at all times to ensure that the Catholic Spiritual Teachings are observed and enhanced.
As a Diocesan Community Radio, RT mainly broadcasts its programs in Tumbuka, a language predominantly spoken and understood in the Northern Region and some parts of the Central Region, especially North of Kasungu District. However, on rare occasions, there are some programs which are broadcast in either English or Chichewa to accommodate non Tumbuka speaking.
Radio Tigabane has a Board of Governors instituted by His Lordship the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu which has an oversight role regarding policy and strategic direction of the radio.
The radio is headed by the Director, who is responsible for the day-to-day running of the station and reports directly to the Board of Governors and the Pastoral Secretary appointed by His Lordship the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu.
To carry out a holistic evangelization that takes care of the spiritual as well as the socio-economic needs of both the urban and the rural populace of the coverage area.
To provide a trusted and indispensable source of information and entertainment while at the same time strengthening the social teaching of the Catholic Church, civic and cultural life of the communities we serve.
Life in its fullness
The values that guide the operations of RT are similar to those of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu. However, as a media house, the Radio is also guided by its Editorial Policy.
The following are some of the guiding principles that we will jealously guard;
RT recognizes the important part played by news and information in human, social and economic growth and development, especially in societies such as ours that are still in the process of nation building. RT takes account of this, as it is in these circumstances that news, current affairs and information services can be the catalyst for the positive and progressive development, and change. RT’s freedom of expression, creative and programming independence is guaranteed and protected by the constitution, which is the supreme law of Malawi. The principle of editorial independence is, therefore, fundamental to the operation of the radio and important to the functions of news division.
The radio recognizes that compliance with its policies will depend on professionalism, competence, skills and commitment of its staff. Ongoing professional development and in house training for the staff will therefore be undertaken as crucial part of the implementation of these policies as the station expands. RT will also assess on a regular basis the professional developmental needs arising from implementation of these policies in order to develop appropriate and ongoing professional developmental programs
RT shall offer information that is substantial and analysis that is authentic and meaningful to the ordinary and discerning listeners to help them form their own opinions.
RT believes every human being is created in the image of God, therefore, it shall respect all human beings and anticipate to be treated fairly. The dignity of a human is the foundation of the moral vision for the society. For RT to achieve its objectives, it requires the news staff to uphold respect for human rights, respect for human dignity, respect for cultures of others, as a common good for society.
- EQUITY AND INCLUSIVENESS
RT believes that the society’s wellbeing depends on ensuring that all its stakeholders feel that they have a stake in it and not feel excluded. One of the strategic priorities of the radio is to deepen relationship with the audience. This means that the audience is of paramount concern. RT believes that all people have to be involved in making sure that the work we are mandated to do as a media house has the ownership of all concerned stakeholders.
RT understands that these values are essential for the development of society and the nation as a whole. In order to promote these values, the radio will be transparent and accountable in all its activities. We will be open and honest in our actions with ourselves, the communities we serve, our partners, donors, government and the public at large.
RT also is in compliance to the Catholic teachings.
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person
The Catholic Church proclaims that life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person
- Call to Family, Community and Participation
The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society in economics and politics, in law and policy directly affects human dignity and the capacity for individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe the people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable people.
- Rights and Responsibilities
The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency.
- Preferential Option for the Poor
A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition instructs us to put the needs of poor and vulnerable people first
- The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
The economy must serve people not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be protected – the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property and to economic initiative.
- Solidarity
We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace.
- Care for God’s Creation
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is a requirement of the Catholic faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation