By Paul Samasumo

Officially launched on May 5, 2008, Luntha Television Station is situated in the capital city of Lilongwe, specifically at Bishop Nervi House, with an additional sub-office and studios located in Balaka, a town in Malawi’s southern region. The name “Luntha” translates to “Wisdom” in the local Chichewa language, reflecting the station’s mission to provide insightful and meaningful content to its viewers. Today, Luntha TV is accessible across ten different platforms, allowing it to reach a broad audience both locally and internationally.

Since 2018, Father David Niwagaba, a Ugandan national and Montfort Missionary, has taken the helm as Director of Luntha TV. “I was ordained in 2014 and have served in both Malawi and Uganda,” Fr. Niwagaba explained. “After completing my priestly studies, I obtained an MBA from Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda. It was during this time that I was invited to lead Luntha Television.” His journey has been marked by a strong commitment to both his faith and the mission of the station.

When discussing the growth and reach of Luntha TV, Fr. Niwagaba noted that it has been a gradual yet rewarding process. “Luntha Television traces its origins back to 1981 when it began as Kuwala Studios in the Diocese of Mangochi. Today, we broadcast on ten platforms, reaching over 26 African countries and a global audience online. Our channels include Kiliye Kiliye (channel 007), Zuku (channel 51), StarSat (channel 474), Top Star (channel 474), Star Times (channel 474), Gotv (channel 807), and Azam (channel 386). In addition to traditional broadcasting, Luntha TV can be accessed via the mobile app Kanema Online. We also maintain a robust online presence on YouTube as ‘Luntha TV Official’ and on Facebook as ‘Luntha Television.’ Currently, Luntha TV reaches over 7.5 million viewers across these platforms, with Facebook alone generating 6.9 million impressions,” he stated.

The station’s programming is diverse, encompassing a range of content that includes spiritual, entertainment, informational, and current affairs programming. Fr. Niwagaba highlighted that Luntha TV also focuses on environmental issues and developmental topics such as agriculture and health. The station features five daily news bulletins, along with the main news broadcast that covers various topics including the activities of the Pope, the Holy See, and the African Church, as well as local Church initiatives in Malawi. The second segment of the news bulletin focuses on political, societal, and international stories, always adhering to the station’s editorial policy, which emphasizes accuracy, fairness, and ethical reporting.

Challenges of Running a Catholic Media House

Operating a Catholic media organization in Africa is fraught with challenges, and Luntha TV is no exception. Many Catholic media houses on the continent face significant economic hurdles. High production and technical costs, combined with the burden of salaries, utility bills, and equipment maintenance, make staying on air a demanding task. “Staying operational is not merely a business endeavour for us; it is a mission and a labour of love,” Fr. Niwagaba reflected.

“How has Luntha TV managed to continue broadcasting for so long?” This question leads to a deeper understanding of the resilience and dedication of the team behind the station. “When I took over Luntha Television as Director in 2018, I faced immense difficulties. I contemplated resigning five times, primarily due to financial strains. We could barely meet our daily operating costs or even pay salaries. At that time, Luntha TV had fewer than 30 staff members, and we were struggling to stay afloat. We were not even based in the capital; we operated from Balaka. But with the unwavering support of my superiors, the Montfort team of council members, and my confreres, we persevered,” Fr. Niwagaba shared.

Despite ongoing challenges, including lack of some necessary equipment, the station is now in a more stable position than it was a few years ago. “We are incredibly grateful for the collaboration with the Montfort missionaries and various donor agencies, as well as the tremendous support from local Christian communities in Malawi. I must also acknowledge the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, whose support has been invaluable. Many people, both locally and internationally, have shown remarkable generosity,” he said.

Fr. Niwagaba also pointed out that some of Luntha TV’s programming is sourced from neighbouring countries like Zambia, Kenya, and Uganda, as well as from Rome. The station airs social programs on behalf of NGOs and development agencies, while ensuring that the content aligns with Church teachings. Recently, they have started airing political programs, charging parties for airtime without being affiliated with any specific political group. “This diverse revenue stream is crucial for our sustainability,” he explained.

The Value of Catholic Television

According to Fr. Niwagaba, Luntha TV plays a vital role in the spiritual lives of many viewers. “We broadcast live Mass every day at 6 a.m., and the choirs from various parishes always show up on time, without fail!” This dedication to serving the community is reflected in the station’s commitment to providing accessible spiritual content.

For religious congregations, dioceses, or Bishops’ Conferences in Africa contemplating the launch of a television station, Fr. Niwagaba offers insightful advice. “TV broadcasting is more expensive and complicated than radio. However, if any Bishops’ Conference wishes to start a station, I wholeheartedly encourage them! In Africa, Catholic television is still an important ministry for evangelization. The benefits far outweigh the challenges. Just think about the impact of a 30-minute live Mass that can reach millions of viewers in a short time; it’s a tremendous opportunity for outreach.”

He continued, “Many people who are unable to attend church due to illness or other circumstances find comfort in our broadcasts, feeling a connection to the Church even in their suffering. It’s essential to remember that we will not have everything figured out when starting a television station. We begin small, learn as we go, and gradually build the necessary skills. As more television stations emerge across the continent, it will become easier to share content and collaborate, ultimately enriching the Catholic media landscape.”

Luntha Television Station is more than just a media outlet; it is a beacon of hope and wisdom for many Malawians and viewers across Africa. With a mission to bring wisdom into homes, Luntha TV continues to navigate challenges while remaining dedicated to its core values and the communities it serves. Through innovative programming, a commitment to ethical journalism, and a focus on spiritual and social issues, Luntha TV is carving a significant niche in the realm of Catholic media, inspiring viewers to connect, reflect, and grow in their faith.