A communicator aims to inform, educate and entertain. Therefore, it is at every communicator’s heart especially those in the media, to see their work have an impact on their audience, even if it’s on just a single individual.

Journalist’s won awards in various categories for stories published in 2019/2020.

Other than emerging media house of the year in the electronic category, Zodiak Broadcasting Station also had five of its journalists awarded.

Chikondi Mphande is a Zodiak reporter in Dedza district. Her story on a young girl who tested positive for HIV after a blood transfusion at MUA Mission hospital where she went to receive Malaria treatment, got recognized as the best in “Pediatric and HIV/AIDS.”  Both her parents including her four siblings are HIV negative. Unfortunately, her parents are unable to explain this to her. She was until the time of the blood transfusion unaware that she is living with HIV.

“I feel so honored for winning the 2020 Best Pediatric and HIV/AIDS award. This is my 6^th award since I joined the media industry. I thank God, Zodiak family and sources for their support,” said Chikondi.

Winstone Kaimira is a reporter based in Lilongwe. He emerged “Business and Economic Reporter of the year.” He published an item on the implementation of the Farm Inputs Subsidy Program-FISP. In the report, he brought to light how the country is struggling to attain food security despite investing billions in the program.

“I was very excited. Because the tussle to gather information and go through all the processes of coming up with a report is no easy task. I am happy I was (my work) recognized.” Kaimira.

Veronica Mwale Kadzakumanja emerged the best in the “2020 Green Journalists” category for her report on wildlife preservation.

Her piece focuses on the conflict between Humans and Wildlife with a focus on elephants and people living in communities around Liwonde National Park.

She is optimistic the piece will encourage citizens to play a role in protecting wildlife which would in the end lead to fewer reports on conflicts between humans and people.

“Environmental issues do not really get the attention they deserve as of yet. I am happy that my piece was recognized and am hopeful it will encourage all of us as a community to do more,” Veronica.

Jacqueline Nhlema was also recognized as the “Parliament Reporter of the Year. She was recognized for how she has helped bring out more about parliament besides the sittings to the people.

She is optimistic the award will encourage other journalists to look deeper into matters related to parliament in order to report more and not just the meetings that take place.

“I am excited. I believe I took the extra mile in reporting conflicts that exist in parliament when they are passing bills. It feels good to be recognized,” she said.

And Grace Khombe sealed it by scooping the “Best Investigative Journalist of the Year.” She was recognized as one fearless and daring journalist who gets a story against all odds.

She dedicates her award to God I whom she finds her faith and strength saying “nothing is impossible if you put God first in all you do, including work.”

Meanwhile, Zodiak Broadcasting Station Acting Managing Director Grey Phiri congratulates the winning team as well as urge the rest of the journalists to continue working hard and not relent, promising continual support in all endeavors.