The survey, which was conducted between 2014 and 2015, by the National Statistical Office (NSO) and Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA), has revealed that most households (90%) tune in to MBC Radio 1 station, MBC radio 2 Station is at 85%; while Zodiac Radio Station is at 79%; and Radio Maria (54%).
Results also show that there is no difference in terms of tuning in to Radio 1 between urban and rural areas (91% and 90% respectively) among the households.
It further reveals that in terms of reach-out of television stations, about 87% of individuals reported MBC TV as the station that they view, seconded by Luntha and Times TV at 32 and 31 percent respectively, with Luso and AFJ TV at 20 and 11 percent respectively.
The survey findings, further confirm MBC as the market leader and most preferred and trusted broadcasting house in Malawi, contrary to the assertions by some quarters that attempt to portray MBC as the least preferred by both listeners and viewers.
The findings puts both Television and Radio indisputably the country’s most listened to and number one electronic media house in Malawi and among Malawians.
Commenting on the development, Board Chairperson for MBC Moffat Banda said the findings make him proud.
“I am proud with the achievement as this means that the hardworking spirit of our team is being appreciated by Malawians out there,” he said.
He added that by virtue of being on the first position makes MBC prone to scrutiny, criticism and envy hence being prepared to improve even better.
“We are now in our rightful position, a position we are more than eager to jealously safeguard by maintaining the listenership and making sure that nobody unseats us from the first position,” said Banda while patting government on the back for the support rendered to the media giant.
On his part the seemingly excited MBC Director General Aubrey Sumbuleta said the findings really display what MBC is to Malawians out there.
He said the outcome will motivate MBC team and its partners to even do more for Malawians who depend on the media house for ultimate entertainment, accurate information and the much needed education.
“The proliferation of new media houses has helped to raise the bar and managed to make the competition even more exciting but the results show and display the trust which many Malawians have in us and this is a welcome development.
“Recently, there have been a number of partners that have come in to render their support notably the Egyptian and Chinese governments, the government of Malawi and even members of staff at the station. The outcome therefore will motivate all these partners to even do more as a way of maintaining the position,” said Sumbuleta.
He added that the Corporation is aware of many stations that would want to catch up with the mother media house but he was quick to point out that the station is ready to raise the standard bar even higher.
While as MBC Director of Commercial Services Levi Mkunika had these words to say: “Now I guess companies and organizations out there know which medium they can use if they want to talk to Malawians.”
The corporation recently introduced innovations awards aiming at recognizing great talent and innovations among Malawians as well staff performance awards which are conducted in every quarter of a year to all departments within the corporation.
