Radio Magazines

Soap Operas  |  Radio Magazines  |  Debates  |  Short Programs and Jingles

Radio Magazines function as non-fiction “feature” shows that give voice to Malawians to air and discuss important issues. Over the years, Story Workshop radio magazines have addressed issues of food security, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS and youth sexuality. 

Mwana Alirenji Farmer-to-Farmer Program

This weekly farmer-to-farmer magazine highlights good farming practices and problem solutions that are developed by farmers themselves. The magazine uses an innovative radio format to address issues of food security in rural Malawi. Our field reporters visit farmers, radio gardens, research stations, farmers associations and many others in order to spread the word on what works.

Mwana Alirenji teaches that small holder farming in Malawi can be successful and that low- or no-cost solutions have been developed for the most common problems. By giving the floor to the real experts, the farmers themselves, tens of thousands of farmers each week benefit from peer-to-peer learning.Mwana Alirenji does not shy away from addressing problems and pointing out failures or bureaucratic obstacles. For example, in 2005 Mwana Alirenji featured a whole range of problems related to food shortages: Problems in decision-making on who was going to receive what, the role of stakeholders in the decision-making process, the problems with food delivery, and the amounts of food received.

This program, part of the Rural Development Communications Campaign, is funded by the European Union (EU).

Sankha Wekha Multimedia HIV Youth Program

The Sankha Wekha (“It’s Your Choice”) multi-media HIV youth campaign was inspired by the ever-growing reports and protest against teacher-student sexual abuse and the problems of sugar daddies taking advantage of young girls. The radio magazine component discussed sexual issues with young people, showcased original music done by the Story Workshop Music Ensemble, ran excerpts from Zimachitika, gave advice on love relationships, and held listener contests.

The campaign set out to influence the sexual choices adolescent girls (and boys) are making, emphasizing the need for youth to have access to information and the importance of speaking openly.  On a broader level, its aim was to change attitudes that promote male promiscuity and female submission, leading to a devaluing of women and accelerating the spread of HIV/AIDS.  In particular, it charged government and education officials with enforcing strong penalties against teachers and other men in positions of trust who have sex with young girls, and also asked parents to overcome their reluctance to report cases of abuse.

This project was sponsored by CORDAID and CARE International. 

Learn about the Sankha Wekha Comic project

Tingathe! Program Against Domestic Violence

The Tingathe! campaign built on a growing public awareness among Malawians of gender violence and a sensed momentum from the Malawians to address this serious issue. The campaign’s refrain was, “Tingathe!” or “We can do it!”

The radio magazine broke new ground by giving voice to village women on national radio to tell their own stories of domestic violence. The show aimed not only to bring the issue into the public forum but also help give women the language and information they needed to report domestic violence and help to fight against embedded harmful cultural practices. Story Workshop worked in partnership with traditional chiefs, courts, police, and religious leaders. This project was sponsored by UNIFEM.

This campaign also mobilized celebrity musicians through the accompanying Tingathe music project.