March/April, 2012
Waliomeremeta
Issue No. 197 October, 2020
EJAT 2019
The overall winners
News News News New faces on Guide on MCT gets another MCT Governing Demographic Clean Audit Board Dividend Certificate Page 5 Page 16 Page 25 MCT, WINNER OF 2003 IPI FREE MEDIA PIONEER EDITORIAL AWARD Flexibility, freedom crucial for media s the country was headed to the general election on October 28, 2020 media coverage for all parties and contenders if anything was not equitable. There was a section of the media which covered Athe ruling party through and through, another section covered major opposition on and off. The smaller parties were somehow covered during the initial stages of the electoral campaigns but as the days got close to the polling day they were relegated to obscurity. The initial impression was that the media would strive to provide equitable coverage but it appeared that those parties with political muscle were having the lion’s share. Headlines of mainstream media and main items of Editorial Board broadcast media were full of pledges mainly of the ruling Kajubi Mukajanga party with the other parties mainly covered on social media MCT and were only given prominence in mainstream media in the EXECUTIVE SECRETARY event of intra-party bickering. Given the operational conditions where some media outlets were suspended on claims of flouting regulations David Mbulumi especially related to election coverage, the extra zeal to be PROGRAMME MANAGER careful coupled with a degree of fear resulted in self-censorship. Hamis Mzee It is unfortunate that the media had to operate in this EDITOR situation which was not a leveled playing field. It may be easy and tempting to say that the media has failed the public but considering the conditions the fourth estate has been subjected to, that might not be a justifiable assertion. In an ideal situation, election time is a “field day” for the media in terms of business with increased circulation and advertisement but that was not the case this time around. For instance, for newspapers one would imagine during this time they would have bumper copies but alas, they are lean. Newspapers which normally would have 28 pages or more, publish 20 pages or less and this was during election time! Something has gone awry and must be changed for better election coverage and for the sake of democracy, transparency and accountability. It is pertinent for the media The overall winners of the Excellencein to operate with a high degree of freedom, flexibility and Journalism Awards Tanzania (EJAT) 2019 Hilda independence. Amedhastone Phoya and Halili Habibu Letea.
2 October 2020
News
The overall winners of the Excellency in Journalism Awards Tanzania (EJAT) 2019 Hilda Amedhastone Phoya and Halili Habibu Letea are presented trophies and certificates by the Tanga Regional Commissioner, Martine Shigela.
Economy and Finance; Children reporting and Road safety. Both of them said they did not expect to be overall winners. Two young For Letea to win the overall spot, he emerged top in three categories – Oil, Gas and Mining Governance; Data Journalism; Education reporting which he also emerged as a runners up. scribes emerge Letea joined Mwananchi Communications Limited- the publishers of Mwananachi and The Citizen newspapers in 2017 He said he had tried the media practice after staying jobless since he left UDSM. EJAT overall However, he said he later developed a passion to the profession He first got a contract in February 2019 as data analyst. Asked how he managed to win the first winners award in education since he was a data analyst, Letea retorted that it was simple because education has much data. l He is now pursuing post graduate Diploma Its Hilda and Halili in Journalism and intends to participate in By MW Reporter while Phoya won in Business and Finance. other competitions like the CNN and Sky For both of them, the 2019 EJAT was the News awards. second time they attempted to win awards in Phoya who now works for Azam TV as wo young and upcoming journalists the competition. producer and presenter of Morning Trumpet – one in early twenties and the other While Phoya is a fresh graduate from the programme says that the victory is a challenge in late twenties emerged overall School of Journalism and Mass Communication to her to put more efforts to prove her winners of the coveted Excellence in of the University of Dar es Salaam, Letea is a TJournalism Awards Tanzania for 2019. worth and a task for more opportunities for 2015 graduate in Statistics and Economics of advancement. The two are Halili Habibu Letea (28) and the same university. Hilda Amedhastone Phoya(23). She attributes her success to mentorship To win the overall spot in the 2019 EJAT, offered through the Young Journalists fellowship Each won in a single category in 2018 EJAT. Phoya had submitted entries of stories used Letea won an award in the Education category by Mlimani TV- on three categories Business, Continues on page 4
3 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter
News Young scribes emerge EJAT overall winners From page 3 at Tanzania Media Foundation (TMF) where she said she learnt how to develop a story idea, pitch it and more practical work. For a duo to win the overall winner position is a repeat of 2014 when Lucas Liganga and Mkinga Mkinga both of The Citizen emerged overall winners after their joint entry exposing the Tegeta escrow account scandal won highest points in the competition. Hilda and Halili were presented trophies, certificates and cash prizes by the official guest, Tanga Regional Commissioner, Martine Shigela. In addition he presented each with a dummy cheque of TZS 3 million offered by the Media Council to the overall winners to Tatu Abdullah Kazimoto of TBC1 is elated after winning award for Innovations for Human facilitate pursuance of further training. Other Development Reporting. winners in EJAT 2019 are Neema Jua Goyayi Tourism and Conservation Reporting Award Sexual and Reproductive Health Reporting of AFM Radio Dodoma and Fatma Abdalla and Rajabu Mustapha Mrope of Pangani FM Award for radio and TV respectively with Chikawe of Azam TV who picked awards in the won the award for Radio. Sanula Athanas also Christina Stephen Mwakangale of Nipashe Sports and Culture category for TV and Radio won award for Good governance Reporting winning it for print media. respectively. Category for print. He also emerged second Education Reporting Award for Radio went The Open Category Award went to Amina runners up in Education Category. to Anord Jovine Kailembo of Radio Kwizera, Semagogwa from Radio Kwizera and Sauli Joseline Joseph Kitakwa of TBC FM won Faraja Sendegeya of Azam TV emerged Gilliad of Daily News. the Agriculture and Agri – business Reporting winner for TV.Senedegeya also emerged first A new category in the Awards Adverse Award for Radio, Jamaly Hashim Said of Azam runnersup for the category, and Menstual Effects of Chemicals to Health and TV emerged winner for TV and Baraka Jailos Health and Hygiene Management Reporting. Environment – Print went to Gwamaka Alipipi Messa of Habari Leo won the award for print Two journalists from Radio Sauti Yohanne of Nipashe newspaper for TV the Award was media. Gwangway and Dominic Mrimi won the won by the TV presenter of ITV, the late Agnes Khamis Suleiman Said of Channel Ten won Data Journalism Reporting Award for Radio. John Almasi. Deogratias Damian Macha of the Best Cameraman Award while Abdul Gwangway and Mrimi also emerged second Fountain Radio won the award for Radio. Kingo of The Guardian won the Best Editorial runners up in open category. The Business, Economy and Finance Cartoonist Category- Print. Kingo also Habari Leo’s Alfred Lasteck Mushi won Reporting Award for Radio went to Asha emerged the first runners up in the category. the Investigative Journalism Award. He also Ahmed Omar of Chuchu FM Zanzibar. Adella Herry Tillya of EFM and Agnes emerged as first runners up for Oil, Gas and Sanula Athanas of Nipashe scooped the Aggrey Mbapu of TBC emerged winners of Mining Governance Category. Herieth Isaya Makwetta and Godfrey Kahango both from Mwananchi newspaper won the Children Reporting Award for print. Another new category of Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Reporting was won by Rehema Goodluck Matowo of Mwananchi newspaper, Faraja Sendegeya of Azam TV and Adam Gabriel Hhando of CG FM. The Gender Reporting Award was won by Rahma J. Ali of Zanzibar Leo and Hadija Omari Nasoro of Voice of Tabora. Road Safety Reporting Award for print went to Crispin Samson of The Guardian, Hilda Amedhastone Phoya of Mlimani TV and Anord Jovine Kailembo of Kwizera Radio. Award for Innovations for Human Development Reporting which is also a new category introduced for the 2019 EJAT for Radio the award was won by Philip Clement Philip Clement Mwihava of Clouds FM is congratulated by the Communication Specialist of Human Development Innovation Fund (HDIF), Hannah Mwandoloma for winning award Mwihava of Clouds FM and Tatu Abdullah on Innovation for Human Development Reporting. Kazimoto of TBC1 for TV.
4 October 2020
News Five new faces on MCT Governing Board By MW Reporter alongside the new President of the Council, retired Judge Juxon Mlay. The five include veteran ive new members have joined broadcaster and CEO of Azam the Governing Board of the Media, Tido Mhando, a Zanzibari Media Council of Tanzania. media executive, Yusuf Khamis Yusuf, They were elected to veteran editor and media consultant Fthe Board during the National Dr. Joyce Bazira, renowned public General Convention (NGC) held on relations consultant Teddy Mapunda September 28, 2020 in Tanga. and financial and accounts expert, The new members were elected Continues on page 6 Tido Mhando
The new President of the Media Council of Tanzania retired Judge Juxon Mlay addresses the National General Convention of the Council after he was elected alongside members of the Governing Board.
5 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter
News
MCT staff, Elizaberth Munisi collects votes during the election of members of the governing board of the Council. Five new faces in MCT Governing Board From page 5 Vice President Wallace Mauggo were not voted Happiness Nkya. Happiness Nkya replaces finance for during the meeting as they The new President, Mlay succeeds and accounts Dr. Edmund Mndolwa have concluded two three year retired judge Thomas Mihayo who who completed his tenure. terms as provided by the Council’s has completed two three year Having a financial and accounts constitution. terms as stipulated by the Council’s expert is a crucial requirement in Another Board Member, Dinah constitution. the Council Governing Board. Chahali could not garner enough Judge Mlay had served the Three members of the outgoing votes to be re-elected. Council as chairperson of its Ethics Board Edda Sanga, Bakari Machumu The NGC also approved a revised Committee since 2014. and Anna Henga were re-elected. the code of professional ethics for Yusuf Khamis Yusuf, the managing Other outgoing Board members media practitioners. The code is editor of Zanzibar Leo was elected Vice President Hassan Mittawi and revised after every three years.
6 October 2020
News
The new MCT President retired Judge Juxon Mlay and Vice President Yusuf Khamis Yusuf Government lauds MCT By MW Reporter unifying role in the country pointing out well to strive to perform better next time. that it is the catalyst for progress and He appealed to the organizers to advancement. be more innovative by introducing he government has highly lauded It is through the media that the public competitions at regional levels and to the Media Council of Tanzania is informed and enlightened on crucial have one at national level in the spirit for guiding and overseeing the national issues on development and even of promoting and strengthening the media in the country through self in case of disasters – such as the dreaded performance of practitioners and the media regulation.T COVID 19 or adverse weather forecasts, in general. Tanga Regional Commissioner, Martine he said. Shigela also appealed to the industry Shigela, said the Council is fully and On EJAT, the Tanga Regional to consider recognizing people like the competently undertaking its responsibilities. Commissioner hailed the organizers of the late Dr. Reginald Mengi for their immense He was speaking during the gala night competition for the decision to rotate it to contribution to media. of the Excellence in Journalism Awards other regions. He said the late Dr. Mengi is special Tanzania (EJAT) 2019 held at the splendid Since its inception in 2009, EJAT has as he had devoted a lot by setting Tanga Beach Resort on September 28, 2020. been held in Dar es Salaam and this was up newspapers, radio and television. The Council, he said, has been taking the first time it is held outside Tanzania’s Something must be done to appreciate his action through mediation and arbitration to commercial capital. contribution, he added. settle complaints raised by readers, viewers He said EJAT is an important platform Mengi started ITV – the first television or listeners and timely take action against for media practitioners as it motivates not and a chain of newspapers in his company media outlets that have erred. only those who did well and recognized but Continues on page 10 He spoke highly of the media for playing also inspires even those who did not do
7 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter
News ... Here are the first and second runners up By MW Reporter
usna Mohammed Khamis of Zanzibar Leo and Karemy Sungwa Masasy of Habari Leo emerged first runners up in the Excellence Hin Journalism Awards Tanzania (EJAT) 2019. Finalists in this position were presented with certificates and cash prizes. Husna emerged first runners up in Good Governance Reporting category and Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Reporting category while Masasy emerged first runners up in Gender Reporting category and Sexual and Reproductive Health Reporting. Other first runners up include Bakari Masoud Bakari of Chuchu FM in the Road Safety category, Adam Gabriel Hhando of CG FM in the Gender Reporting category and James Lutatinisibwa Kamala of Sunday News newspaper in the Road Safety Kija Yunus Mohamed of Clouds Media (left) receives certificate from Dr. Allan Frank Munga Reporting category. from the Coalition of Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management after she emerged second SAUT Radio’s Regina Patrick Kulindwa runners-up in the Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Reporting category. was first runners up in Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management category, Sifa Lubasi of Habari Leo was runners up in runners up in Tourism and Conservation in the Agriculture and Agri-Business and the Children Reporting category, Aishton category, Isidory Peter Mtundaa of Betty Nobert first runners up in Sexual and Killion Balaigwa of Nipashe was rated first Pambazuka FM Radio first runners up Reproductive Health category. Afya Radio’s Iddi Juma who was overall winner of EJAT 2015 emerged first runners up in the Open Category, Kelvin Paul Matandiko of Mwananchi in Data Journalism category while Edith Karlo Karlo of Mtanzania was also first runners up in the Open category. Second runners up were Rahma Suleman Ali of Nipashe in Good Governance category, Aurelia Gabriel of Radio Kwizera in Gender Reporting category and Muhidin Msamba of The Guardian in the Best editorial Cartoonist category. Second runners up position for Road Safety Reporting category went to James Abert Kandoya of The Guardian, Zuhura Juma Said of Zanzibar Leo while Rehema Mwaikema of Azam TV was rated in the position for Education Reporting category and Kijah Yunus Mohamed of Clouds was second runners up in the Menstrual James Lutatinisibwa Kamala (left) of Sunday News newspaper receives certificate from Health and Hygiene Management Reporting the general Manager of Tanga Fresh, Innocent Mosha, after emerging first runners-up in Continues on page 17 the Road Safety Reporting category.
8 October 2020
News
Outgoing President of MCT, retired Judge,Thomas Mihayo. Mihayo appeals to MCT members to ensure its continued existence By MW Reporter Convention on September 28,2020. their countries have been hard hit by However, he expressed appreciation COVID-19 pandemic. to all members for their efforts which There is no sign that the situation embers of the Media enabled the Council to get to where it will ease in the near future, he said Council of Tanzania must is and urged them not to be complacent adding that because the Council is an strive to change to ensure but to “tighten” their boots. important institution for all of us, for sustainability of the Judge Mihayo’s speech was read on the profession and freedom of the press MCouncil and that it provides requisite his behalf by the outgoing Vice President “we must resolve to support it for its support to all. Hassan Mittawi. Mihayo is a member continued existence.” “It cannot be business as usual”, the of the National Electoral Commission Since the meeting was expected to outgoing MCT President, rtd justice (NEC) and was said to have been elect new members of the Council’s Thomas Mihayo told the Council’s engaged in pressing national issues. Governing Board, Judge Mihayo National General Convention held in He said the Council as other appealed to delegates to the NGC to Tanga. institutions is experiencing difficult give utmost importance to the election. “We must change and members times as revenue sources are shrinking “You should elect the president and should ask themselves what they were while others have dried up, with the board members who will efficiently run doing for the Council, so that it can economy of Council members getting the Council during these difficult times,” be able to provide assistance”, Judge weak and donors reducing their aid he implored. Mihayo said in his final speech to the especially during this period where Continues on page 12
9 9 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter
News Government lauds MCT From page 7 The Guardian limited. The chairperson of the EJAT Organising Committee, Kajubi Mukajanga, praised sponsors of the competition for their continued support. He listed them as the National Resources Governing Institute (NRGI), Chief Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, Tanzania Media Fund (TMF), Legal and Human Rights Center, Human Development Innovation Fund, Water and Sanitation Action, Coca-Cola Kwanza, Tanzania Breweries Limited and Uhuru Media Group. He said despite the odds – particularly the outbreak of the dreaded COVID 19 which has adversely affected the smooth progress of the process of organising EJAT this time around, the organizers prevailed and the event is successfully held. EJAT organizers chaired by MCT, are Tanzania Media Fund (TMF), Ansaf, Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA) Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC), HakiElimu and Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF). Mukajanga also specially commended Azam TV for live coverage of the event as their contribution. In this year’s EJAT 450 entries were submitted for the competition and 57 contestants including Agnes Almasy of ITV who had passed away, were picked as nominees for the final lap. Mukajanga said this was the first time for the event to have a nominee who had died and asked the audience at the gala night to observe a minute silence in respect of the late Agnes. She was later announced winner of the Award for a new category on Adverse Effects of Chemicals to Health and Environment for Television. This time, EJAT had two overall winners. They are Halili Habibu Letea of Mwananchi newspaper and Hilda Amedhastone Phoya of Mlimani TV. It is a repeat of 2014 when Lucas Liganga and Mkinga Mkinga both from The Citizen newspaper emerged overall winners on a joint entry exposing the Tegeta escrow account scandal. This time around, however, the winners’ The chairperson of the EJAT organising committee, Kajubi Mukajanga, speaks during Halili and Hilda matched on points. the competition’s gala night.
10 October 2020
News Unfriendly laws, regulations continue to stifle media By MW Reporter
he media industry is more stifled following the enactment and amendments of incompatible laws and regulations. T Delegates to the National General Convention (NGC) of the Media Council of Tanzania held in Tanga on September 28, 2020 were told by the Council’s Executive Secretary Report that MCT continued to operate in an environment where the media and CSOs faced various challenges. The challenges according to the report impacted directly on their role in promoting democracy, good governance, human rights and accountability. The report listed the amendments that impacted negatively as those on Electronic and Postal Communications Act (EPOCA) online content Regulations and Radio and Television content in addition to previously enacted obnoxious legislations. However, despite the odds, the report states that the Council and its partners are committed to continue dialogue with the Government through relevant ministries and officials and engage media stakeholders to devise survival mechanism. The Programme Manager of the Media Council, David Mbulumi, presents a section of the The Council pledged to continue to provide Council’s Executive Secretary report during the National General Convention (NGC) held in Tanga. necessary support to media houses to maintain standards and assist those lagging behind. programmes that MCT participated in. are a threat to press freedom and freedom of Advocacy, Mediation and Arbitration, The Coalition on Right to Information expression. Press Freedom Violations Register and Media (CoRI), a key group bringing together media Other advocacy activities carried by the Monitoring are four main programme areas that and human rights organizations in press freedom Council included participation in Radio and the Council’s work focused. and access to information held two meetings in TV talk shows at Azam TV and Radio, Radio The global pandemic CoVID-19 posed November and December 2019 which among One, Mlimani TV and Radio, Radio Furaha Iringa, serious challenge to the activities of the Council other issues discussed the new Electronic Chuchu FM, RFI, EFM, Star TV, Clouds FM, Times in the first half of 2020 resulting in either and Postal Communications (online content) FM and online media outlets such as Daily News postponement of some activities or change of Regulations 2020 which replaced the contested online, Watetezi TV and MCL Digital. implementation modalities. 2018 Regulations. Issues discussed related to the Council’s In advocacy, the Council, the report says, The new Regulations which were published Media Advisory on COVID-19, International among other things, it published, launched and by the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Radio Day, new MCT publications and MSA distributed a compendium which provides insight Sports on July 2020, for most part are similar case appeal at East African Court of Justice. to media professionals and the general public on to those of 2018 with certain few exceptions The Appellate section of the EACJ had on media related laws and regulations. on definition of content, categories of license, June 9, 2020 struck out an application by the The compendium with analyses of the Media supporting documents required for license government to appeal against the Court ruling Services Act, 2016, Cybercrime Act, 2015 and application, prohibited content, and rights and ordering almost the overhaul of the Media Statistics Act, 2015 and Electronic and Postal obligations of applications of service licenses. Services Act, 2016 for contravening the East Communications and their regulations were also The Council has conducted and shared with African Cooperation Agreement, rule of law, used for training of journalists and journalism media members and stakeholders an analysis of good governance, accountability and freedom tutors in June 2020 and during Radio and TV the new online regulations showing how they press and of expression.
11 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter
News Mihayo appeals to MCT members to ensure its continued existence From page 9 “They are true friends and I would Tanzania (EJAT) and other activities. He said “we need a board with like to encourage them and assure Judge Mihayo also thanked MCT capable members, who have time, them that the Council value their workers under the leadership of the passion for the industry and the media contribution and is committed to Executive Secretary, Kajubi Mukajanga, profession…members who believe in continue to promote the values for the commitment they reflected all the right for Tanzanians to get proper - freedom of press and expression, the time, even when the finances were information and who believe in freedom promotion of democracy, and building in bad shape. of press and freedom of expression”. of a just society - which bind us in our On behalf of Board members, he “We need members who won’t be cooperation”, he said. highly commended them for ensuring discouraged by financial limitations, but He thanked friendly institutions the continued existence of the Council. instead will seek ways to extricate the which have worked with the Council in Judge Mihayo had served the Council Council from the difficulties”, he said. the Coalition for Right to Information as President for two three year terms Judge Mihayo also used the occasion (CoRI), Stakeholders in the Committee as required by the MCT constitution. to thank all development partners who for reviewing Zanzibar media law, Earlier he had served the Council as the have been assisting the Council. Excellence in Journalism Awards chairperson of its Ethics Committee.
Delegates to the National General Convention (NGC) of the Media Council of Tanzania keenly follow proceedings.
12 October 2020
News
Delegates to the National General Convention (NGC) closely follow proceedings. He declared readiness of his media house to accommodate students on field attachment without charging them. While the issue was deliberated it was Reporting press established the concern that students were charged for field attachment was not a hoax that some media outlets really charge them. Another issue that was raised during the freedom violations, NGC was the question of tertiary colleges and universities competing for students pursuing lower certifications – certificates and diplomas. It was said during the NGC that some student attachment universities apart from enrolling students for degree courses, also enroll those pursing lower certifications. In the discussion that ensued it was said that the law under Tanzania Commission for discussed at NGC Universities (TCU) allow universities to offer By MW Reporter violations. NTA Level of education by 30 per cent and However, the Secretariat noted that that the current competitive environment it appeareds members tend to forget this should motivate middle level colleges to ssues on reporting press freedom crucial responsibility when they return to improve and attract students and compete violations and field attachment in media their respective offices and do not do it. with universities. houses for students from journalism Regarding field attachment of students On developing MCT’s Kimalang’ombe institutions were among matters and claims that some media houses demand farm, the convention was informed that the Ithat were aired and discussed during the to be paid for journalism students to get field Council has continued to fundraise of the National General Convention (NGC) of attachment, the convention was advised that same however resources are not sufficient the Media Council of Tanzania. colleges could have special arrangements for extensive development undertaking. Responding to the issue of using press with specific media institutions like having a Kimalang’ombe in Bagamoyo is a 14 plot clubs to follow up press freedom violations, simple memorandum of understanding. piece of land acquired by the Council for the convention was informed by the A senior editor representing a mainstream developing and building among other things Secretariat that it has always been MCT’s newspaper organization said that charging it head office, budget hotel and training wish to use press clubs for follow up press students for field attachment was a crime. facilities.
13 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter March/April,October, 20202012 EJAT 2019 EJAT 2019 WINNERS WaliomeremetaEJAT 2019
Hadija Omari Nasoro of Voice of Tabora winner of Gender Reporting Award poses in a group Rehema Matowo of Mwananchi newspaper is presented with the Adella Tillya of EFM who won the Sexual and Reproductive Sanula Athanas of Nipashe newspaper is presented the photo with first runners up Adam Hhando of CG FM and second runners up Aureria Gabriel of Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Reporting Award and Health award for radio is presented the award and certificate Tourism and Conservation Award and certificate Board Radio Kwizera. Extreme right is award and certificate presenter, Board member of the Media certificate by Theresia Kawite from the Coalition of Menstrual by the Vice Chairperson of Tanzania Editors’ Forum, Deodatus member of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), Anna Henga. Council of Tanzania (MCT), Edda Sanga. Health and Hygiene Management. Balile. She is now with Wasafi FM.
Joseline Joseph Kitakwa of TBC FM who won the Anord Jovine Kailembo of Radio Kwizera (left) is Pangani FM’s Rajabu Mustafa Mrope is presented award Prominent cartoonist, Abdul Kingo (left) of The Guardian Khamis Sulemani Said of Channel Ten is presented the Best Agriculture and Agri-business Award for Radio poses presented award and certificate for Education and certificate for Tourism and Conservation Reporting by Limited is presented the Best Cartoonist Award for print Cameraman Award by Mkumbwa Ali one of the judges with the President of the Media Council of Tanzania, Reporting by Dastan Kamanzi, Communications Aiman Duwe one of the judges of Excellence in Journalism by Mohamed Kisengo one of the judges of Excellence in of Excellence in Journalism Award Tanzania(EJAT) 2019. rtd judge Juxon Mlay who presented her with the award Specialists of Tanzania Media Foundation (TMF). Award Tanzania(EJAT) 2019. Journalism Award Tanzania(EJAT) 2019. and certificate.
Agnes Mbapu of TBC1 is presented the Sexual and Reproductive Adam Hhando of CG FM is presented with award and certificate by Azam TV’s Jamal Hashim is presented with the Agriculture and Agri- Harriet Makweta of Mwananchi is presented the Children Reporting Award Health Award by the Regional Administrative Secretary of Tanga Wilhelmina Malima the chairperson of the Coalition of Menstrual Health business award by the Tanga Press Club chairperson Lulu George. and certificate by the Managing Editor of The Guardian, Wallace Mauggo. Ragion, Judica Omary. and Hygiene Management after he emerged winner of the category.
i 27ii Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter October, 2020
News News New members of the Media Council of Tanzania are presented membership certificates by Vice President Hassan Mitawi flanked right by the Executive Secretary of MCT, Kajubi Mukajanga
28iii iv Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter
News Dr. Shein’s contribution to media By MW Reporter .
r. Ali Mohamed Shein, the President of Zanzibar for the last ten years has made a significant mark in the media. Under his leadership he had Dpledged his government would ensure that people enjoy the right to information. He was open and receptive as he readily confirmed when he agreed to meet a delegation from the Media Council of Tanzania at the State House in Zanzibar on March 12, 2012. During the one hour plus encounter which generated excitement from MCT officials led by the then Vice President Chande Omar Omar the President said “there was no need to hide information” adding that he has come up with an arrangement of releasing information as people need to know about their country and development The MCT team included the Executive Secretary Kajubi Mukajanga, the then Manager of Zanzibar MCT office Sulemain Seif Omar, Zanzibar MCT Programme Officer, Shifaa Hassan Said, the then Regulations and Standards Manager of the Council Pili Mtambalike and former MCT Vice President Mariam Hamdani It was at this meeting President asked MCT to publish a book on the history of Zanzibar media which the Council duly accepted resulting with The Zanzibar President admires publications of the Media Council of Tanzania which were the publication of the book entitled “A History presented to him during talks with the Council’s high level delegation at the State House of Zanzibar Media Traditions and Transitions” in Zanzibar. authored by three Zanzibaris - Mariam Hamdani, Ali Rashid and Fatma S. Amour. where the Media Services Act, 2016 is subject of As he concludes his mandatory two five years complaints since its enactment. terms as President, the media landscape in the Isles In efforts to have a new law in Zanzibar, has changed tremendously. the Media Council has been actively involved. There are more radio stations now and the The report by the Council’s Executive state broadcaster is now under one umbrella – Secretary presented at the National General the Zanzibar Broadcasting Corporation with Convention (NGC) stated that the Zanzibar state of art equipment. Previously there was Sauti Media Stakeholders Law Review Committee, ya Zanzibar (Voice of Zanzibar) for radio and led by MCT fully participated in the process. Zanzibar TV. The proposed bill is at ministerial level for The Kiswahili daily newspaper – Zanzibar Leo further action, the report noted adding that has a facelift and new English weekly – Zanzibar though progress has been Mail has been established. painfully slow but MCT There has been improvement in training of and the stakeholders’ involvement will hopefully journalists as well. influence a better legislation. The President is leaving office while the According to the report, between late 2019 process of having a new media law is at an and first half of 2020, MCT which has an office advanced stage. in Zanzibar provided backstopping to Members Though the question of having a new of the House of Representatives who were given media law may raise eyebrows as to why literature related to media law review. did the outgoing President did not finish Six out of nine members supported and asked the job, on this he may enjoy the benefit questions on the progress of the new Zanzibar of doubt that he did not rush to enact an Media Law during the House Sessions and obnoxious legislation like on the Mainland Continues on page 21
14 October 2020
News Information should be readily and timely accessed – Mukajanga By MW Reporter .
uthorities in the Government have Mukajanga meets AU election observers in Dar been urged to strive and aspire to improve provision and accessibility of information to the general public and informationA seekers. Speaking on September 28, 2020 on the occasion marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), the Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania, Kajubi Mukajanga said officials should make information readily and timely available as per requirements of the law. The occasion to mark IDUAI also known as the Right to Know Day, was held in Tanga. It preceded the National General Convention of the Council held on the same day. He reminded the audience that the Council had conducted a study two years after the enactment of Access to Information Act (ATI’s) to evaluate its efficacy. The study, he said, established that a number of practical challenges in accessing information still persist. He said the study showed that some information seekers who participated in the study were threatened with arrest if the requested information leaked. Some of them were interrogated and denied information, the study carried between September 19 to November 2019 in 18 regions, showed. The regions where the study was carried out are Arusha, Dodoma, Geita, Iringa, Kigoma, Lindi, Mara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza, Njombe, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Shinyanga, Simiyu, Singida and Tabora. Following findings of the study, Mukajanga said it was recommended that: •There is need to increase awareness among information holders about the Access to Information Act, 2016, and what it entails as far as easy access to information is concerned. •There is need to create awareness among members of the public about their right of access to information as stipulated in the Constitution, as well as the ATI, 2016. •Information holders need to fully implement key elements of the ATI, 2016 that aim at facilitating The Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), Kajubi Mukajanga, met the general public’s access to information. He said with the election observer team of the African Union (AU) in Dar es Salaam on October that at one point the Council made an offer to 26, 2020, two days before the polling day on October 28, 2020. The talks with the AU observers led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan the government to assist in training government centred on the elections and issues related to the media landscape in Tanzania. Continues on page 24 Above, Mukajanga poses for a photo with the former Nigerian leader.
15 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter
Review Guide for Journalists on Demographic Dividend is MCT’s latest publication The Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) has produced a guide for Journalists on Demographic Dividend entitled Media Working to Support Tanzania’s Efforts to Harness the Demographic Dividend for Development. The book was launched in Tanga on September 28, 2020 the day the Council held its National General Convention (NGC). Veteran editor, SAID NGUBA takes us through the book and its objectives. Read on.
t is yet another publication from “Undoubtedly it is going to lift change. Births, deaths and migration are the Media Council of Tanzania: journalism in Tanzania to higher levels the “big three” of demography, jointly A guide for Journalists on Media of competence in this specific area,” producing population stability or change. Working to Support Tanzania’s according to introductory remarks of And dividend refers to, for example, IEfforts to Harness the Demographic the publication. reward or payment, cash or otherwise, Dividend. The guide is meant to orient The MCT acknowledged Pathfinder that a corporate body or company gives journalists on how to report on International which commissioned the to its shareholders after accruing profits. development matters pertaining to Council to produce the guide and Mr. According to an online encyclopedia, Demographic Dividend in Tanzania. It Dastan Kamanzi, Managing Director Wikipedia, Demographic Dividend, as is packed with knowledge, methods of Ujuzi. Era Ltd who was assigned to defined by the United Nations Population and skills and comes in the wake of produce it. Fund (UNFPA), therefore, means “the government and its stakeholders’ desire Demography, according to the economic growth potential that can result to see Demographic Dividend reported dictionary, is the study of human from shifts in a population’s age structure, exhaustively and successfully for populations – their size, composition mainly when the share of the working-age necessary grasp and implementation by and distribution across space – and population (14 to 64) is larger than the all concerned. the process through which populations Continues on page 18
The President of the Media Council rtd judge, Juxon Mlay ( second from left), Board Member Eda Sanga (left), Managing Director of Ujuzi .Era Limited Dastan Kamanzi (second from right) and the Executive Secretary of the Media Council, Kajubi Mukanga displays copies of the book on Demographic Dividend during its launch in Tanga on September 28, 2020.
16 October 2020
News Regina Kulindwa of SAUT FM receives certificate from the chairperson of the Coalition of Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Wilhemma Malima after emerging first runners up in the Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Reporting category.
...Here are the first and second runners up From page 8 Maduhu of Nipashe in the same category. was second runners up in Sexual and category. Tourism and Conservation second Reproductive Reporting category. AFM Radio’s Agness Samson Anderson runners position was taken by Ashton Evance Emmanuel of Habari Leo was second runners up in Menstrual and Killion Balaigwa of Nipashe, Agriculture was second runners up in Sexual and Hygiene Management category, Lucas and Agri-Business was tyaken by Essau Reproductive Health and Zuhura Juma Said Rpahael of Habari Leo – second runners up Simon Kalukubila of Radio Jamii Micheweni of Zanzibar Leo was second runners up in in Children reporting and Marco Zephania while Adella Herry Tillya of E FM the open category.
Afya Radio’s Iddi Juma (left) who was overall winner of EJAT 2015 emerged first runners-up in the Open Category receives certificate. He was presented the certificate by a representative of Wahamaza – an association for environmental journalists in Zanzibar Salim Said Salim.
17 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter
Review Guide for Journalists on Demographic Dividend is MCT’s latest publication
From page 16 various development stakeholders, each non-working-age share of the population In order to find playing their specific role and that media (14 and younger, and 65 and older)”. and journalists have a crucial role. In other words, it is “a boost in answers to the “The media plays a critical role economic productivity that occurs when three key in bringing all matters pertaining to there are growing numbers of people in Tanzania’s efforts and opportunities to the workforce relative to the number of questions, harness the demographic dividend to the dependents.” attention of the general public and people Therefore, the UNFPA states, “a journalists are who can influence public policies,” it is country with both increasing numbers noted. of young people and declining fertility advised to work on Such people include government has the potential to reap a demographic officials, leaders of non-governmental dividend.” four focus sectors: organizations, like women and religious It occurs when the proportion of groups, academicians, experts from working people in the total population Health, Education, different multi-sectoral backgrounds and is high because this indicates that Economic Reforms youth-led organizations. more people have the potential to be “Many of these influential people read productive and contribute to the growth and Good news reports and listen to daily news of the economy. broadcasts … a single news report that According to the guide, to support Governance. carries well thought messages can spur the government of Tanzania to achieve childbearing, combined with low levels of a decision maker to act,” according to its Vision 2025, accelerate progress on contraceptive use and relatively modest the guide. becoming a middle-income country and duration of exclusive breastfeeding,” Thus, the guide outlines, the journalist’s reap demographic dividend, the University according to the studies. role in communicating the matters that of Dar es Salaam in collaboration with Other observations are that with impact efforts aimed at harnessing Pathfinder, the World Bank, UKAID/ the improved survival of children and demographic dividend is three-fold. DFID and UNFPA have conducted stubbornly high fertility rates, Tanzania’s First, to create awareness – empowering various demographic analyses which age structure remains youthful and the the public and the government through resulted in broadly similar findings and country continues to experience rapid trustworthy targeted information they recommendations. population growth. can use to make informed decisions and Among the key messages from these Like most countries in Sub-Saharan actions; secondly, to play the observatory studies are: “Like most countries in Sub- Africa, Tanzania is currently a pre- and intermediary role observing how the Saharan Africa, Tanzania has experienced demographic dividend country, given government works towards attainment a rapid drop in mortality but persistently its high fertility levels and youthful age of the desired demographic dividend high fertility, which implies continued high structure. goals and how the public participates rates of population growth”. It is noted that a workforce with in the realization of such pursuit and Between 1990 and 2015, under- fewer dependents, relative to the working thirdly, to disseminate information that five mortality declined steeply and age population, has the potential to boost attracts positive attention and encourages consistently, from 141 to 67 per 1000 economic growth and that the East Asia investment in sectors that increase live births and life expectancy increased economic tiger countries such as South the country’s potential to harness the by 16 years. Korea and Malaysia may owe up to demographic dividend. By contrast, the total fertility rate third of their economic growth to the In the guide, journalists are advised declined by only one child during the past demographic dividend. to seek to answer three key questions, twenty-four years. “High levels of fertility The guide, therefore, stresses that namely, first, policy and legal question that reflect the early age at marriage and harnessing the de-combined efforts from Continues on page 21
18 October 2020
Analysis Versatile media ethics needed now more than ever The National General Convention (NGC) of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) endorsed reviewed professional ethics for media practitioners on September 28,2020. Veteran journalist and media trainer GERVAS MOSHIRO in this article goes through the reviewed ethics. Read on. ne laudable outcome of this year’s championed by the MCT, media professionals the same, infact copied from editions of previous Annual General Meeting of the believe that ethics is core to the profession and publications of MCT. Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) have, as a matter of necessity to apply them as Professional codes of practice are produced held recently in Tanga, is the a matter of conviction and not coercion. The and administered by the industry, in other words Oadoption of a revised code of practice for media following is my appraisal of the MCT’s Code of self-regulation. I find the MCT codes fulfilling all and practitioners. Since inception the MCT has had Ethics. more of the above, hence justifying their existence. a practice of reviewing its code of practice after every three years to ensure that it addresses the Rationale Scope needs of a fast changing society philosophically There is no doubt the codes are needed The media sector in the country has several and also technologically. The internet and digital now more than at any other time we’ve had in platforms for service delivery to the public, both revolution has had a tremendous impact on the past. The proliferation of online media and new and old. Traditional broadcast outlets – radio the practice of the profession to an extent that growth of propaganda media under unprofessional and television have been supplemented by formats some chapters of journalism textbooks have to hands, threaten the legitimate social mandates in the form of simulcasts via the internet and be re-written to reflect the new reality enabled of media responsibility. Unfortunately prevailing mobile communication. Likewise print media has by digital technology. political and social-economic factors are creating online editions, with similar ownership patterns – Whatever the changes though, the core values an environment for blatant media abuse making public and private. and principles of the profession has remained the ethical considerations untenable. Digital platforms however have made it same. To underscore the universality of journalism, Political interests are being advanced without possible for individuals to communicate content every country including international professional caring about ethics and on several occasions this in both print and broadcast formats. This group bodies like the International Federation of has been brought to light but the authorities were was once left free to indulge in media without Journalists (Global), Society of Professional mum about it. The public is left to wonder whether guidelines similar to traditional outfits. Ownership, Journalists (USA) and UNESCO has its own media has the same purpose in society or whether outlet formats, technical capacity, professional version of guidelines for the media with similar it is just a tool for any person to use for personal competences, sustainability and media purpose values. And why media ethics, you may ask? gain. The presence of the code of ethics helps were all not known. Every industry has its own way of delivering to assure the public that the media has the best Before the government intervention in the services to the public. The media are mandated by interests of society at heart. Through the code, the form of online regulations, the Executive Secretary society to give services of information as codified public would be able to know the errant media of the MCT had made propositions to bloggers in the various formats befitting media channels or whenever there is a variance. and online media practitioners to participate in better known as platforms: print, broadcast and Codes enable uniformity of content outcomes the Annual Journalism Awards, as the first step in online. Each demands a particular way of behaviour and stabilize society. No matter the varied outlets, recognizing their contribution to the profession, when collecting, processing and delivering the if they follow the prescribed way of approach, and also making them see how adherence to information to satisfy the consumer that what he the same truth would be unveiled thus avoiding ethics would make them acceptable. The legal or she is getting is the right thing. It is the approach dissonance and doubt. requirements necessitates new media operators that distinguishes the professional from the hack. It is codes of ethics that define a profession and to ensure that media ethics are adhered to. The accepted ways and means are what ethics the same would be said of unifying the profession. I would say I find the new codes released in entail. The codes make media practitioners acceptable Tanga comprehensive enough and do cover all The acceptance by society of media products to the society as a body. The codes assist the the media platforms currently applicable in the is unfortunately culture dependent and which practitioner in the field to make rational choices country. is subject to social needs and values. Influences whenever there is a dilemma. on society and technological growth of delivery Media sustainability is a function of public Code Structure channels to the public necessitate a frequent trust. If a media outlet is not trusted, it will die Codified ethics, in most cases, has a certain adjustment to ensure the media are serving the away and the only way to ensure guarantee of rational format that progresses from philosophical right consumers with the right products. this trust is by scrupulous implementation of a standpoint to the enabling practical elements of A unique situation obtains in Tanzania where code of ethics. Fortunately so far, almost all media dos and don’ts. It starts with what the profession the government has copied the same ethic subscribe to MCT Codes voluntarily, and by default believes in concerning its obligation to the society. elements media professed and made any breach the compliance based codes backed by statutes It is a kind of a mission statement explaining the of them a criminal offence. Under self-regulation since the ethical considerations propounded are Continues on page 20
19 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter
Analysis Versatile media ethics needed now more than ever From page 19 its potency as the media of the future. It can self-aggrandizement, tool of administration, for role of the media in the democratic makeup of accommodate visual and audio formats at the proselytization and anything else one would make the country. By the way, as I see it, the ethical convenience of both the sender and receiver, easy use of. Ethics rationalizes all these to one purpose prescriptions given in the MCT code are only to make, sustain and manage. This new realm has – the public interest. Media are there for a public tenable in a democracy. Conflicts will occur given a lot of hopes to people with determination good and therefore have to offer services in a whenever the political governance of the country of owning a communication outlet, but had manner the society approves. This is the logical tilts toward autocratic tendencies. How and why previously lacked either the technical and financial conclusion of why media ethics. is a subject of another day. ability or just couldn’t fulfil the bureaucratic The MCT Code of Ethics laments that The MCT’s vision appearing elsewhere reads: processes required to get a license. media owners are wielding tremendous powers ‘to create an environment that enables a strong To own or operate an online outlet does over their outlets and as a result they are and ethical media that contributes toward a more not strictly require prior media professional likely to compromise media independence and democratic and just society’. The Preamble to the competences, the kind needed for traditional professionalism. The intrusion of owners may MCT 2020 version of the codes elaborates well media. The digital technologies empowered encourage corruption through sexual favours, the need for the codes in achieving that vision. people to feel, wrongly of course, that any person favouritism, professional mediocrity and media to Chapter One of the codes identifies the could be a journalist because of the ease with veer out of its social roles. cardinal principles of the ethics realm – 32 of which they could communicate stories to others. It is unfortunate that media owners form part them, that are comprehensive enough covering Enthusiastically a lot of people started websites, of the professional ethical makeup of the industry, all aspects of media practice in the trades of online radio, online television and blogs and a phenomenon not found in other countries. I reporters, editors, designers, producers and transmitted whatever information they wanted. may be wrong because I have not read all codes publishers. The principles are universal, in the For a while things were very rosy and with that of the world, but it does not augur well with the sense they are found in all codes worldwide and enthusiasm, the output of the online media went owners. The ethical considerations for owners at the same time they are applicable to all media beyond the bounds of civilized content, and mentioned in the code are all discreditable acts platforms: print, broadcast and online. the public had to cry foul. The government had to be associated with law abiding and responsible In analyzing the 32 items, I find that the so to intervene in the form of Regulations to the citizens. Fortunately we have a media owners called principles emanate from five themes: Truth Electronic and Postal Communications Act, 2018 association, MOAT, which is better placed to and Accuracy, Independence, Impartiality and (EPOCA) that demanded all online media to be accommodate such prescriptions. My take is that Fairness, Integrity /humanity and Accountability. All registered and take action against errant media. let the MCT woe MOAT to adopt the ethics and other explanations are about the ‘how’ to achieve It is interesting to note however, that the we could perhaps see better results. the above tenets. The style MCT uses augurs Regulations demand that online media, apart As a whole, I think, the MCT Codes well with the media environment, where media from abiding by the regulations, called Prohibited adequately cater for our work environment issues are yet to be understood well by some Content, which to a large extent are ethical where the profession is undeveloped compared media practitioners and also the consumers of prescriptions, are also obliged, by command of one to the countries we emulate. The text design is media products, and therefore elaborations are in of the clauses, to follow journalism ethics as well. such that, apart from mentioning the cannons order. Owners and managers, though strictly not involved, like accuracy, fairness, independence, journalists, are mentioned because they impact on Chapter Four integrity and accountability, it goes further to the outcomes of the product and also affect the Media owners and publishers generally have detail on how to achieve those standards. The intended objective. always featured in the MCT codes since they were style of presentation very much suits students of Chapter Two is on how to achieve some published in the nineties. The inclusion follows the journalism and apprentices. Likewise the public are tasks ethically when engaging in broadcasting. fact that owners wielded a strong influence on offered a glimpse of what is involved in molding The formats used in broadcasting are many and media practice partly because the professionals their professionals and which creates cooperation each has a unique way of approach to achieve an themselves were weak ethically for lack of training and may use the same to hold service providers ethical product. Altogether there are 22 elements and exposure hence had little confidence in what accountable. covering diverse activities like handling of they were doing and the fact that at the societal The comprehensiveness of the Codes also interviews and discussions, talk-shows, phone- level, the industry’s role was ambiguous in the emanates from the fact that they cover all the ins, program scheduling, children programs, sectors system of the country. Independent platforms we have in the country: newspapers, language, cartoons, elections and advertisements, media is a product that emerged after the 1992 radio, television, the internet based platforms like to mention a few. liberalization of the country, otherwise media was websites, blogs, online radio and television, forums Although technology is usually neutral, a sector under state control. and social media. Despite this, we are awkwardly improper handling could be harmful. Unlike print A revision of the country’s constitution had placed when we have ethics formulated by media, broadcast audiences range from the very in 1984 recognised that media is part of the social the industry which professionals embrace as young to very seniors, each demanding specific services sector. However, the new dispensation their own and voluntarily following them being approaches to achieve intended communication. It did not state how the sector would operate and repudiated by state authorities simply because should not be forgotten that the 22 considerations what would be the obligations; perhaps it was they are being complied with voluntarily. Instead are in addition to the 32 mentioned earlier. taken for granted that everyone knew how media the government has taken the same ethics and operates in democratic milieus. Unfortunately, to by law says they have to be followed, otherwise Chapter Three date, we are still tormented by this lack of clarity. be criminally prosecuted. I still maintain that it is Online media has been given its share of The placements are many – media as a possible to give the industry ethics force of law prescriptions by the MCT Code because of social service, as a business enterprise, for without criminalizing them. Would anyone care?
20 October 2020
News/ Review Dr. Shein’s contribution to media From page 14 then First Vice President, Maalim Seif Sharrif Hamad Idd, raised the issue of press cards for Zanzibar elaborations were given. to represent him. During Dr. Shein’s reign, MCT journalists working for Mainland based media who Avid followers of the Excellence in Journalism had easy access to Zanzibar leadership in matters were denied press cards. The matter was speedily Awards Tanzania may recall that Dr. Shein graced regarding the media. resolved. The Vice President was also the guest of the EJAT 2014 Gala Night. At one time, the Council, during a meeting honour at the commemoration of the World Press He did not turn up in person but assigned the with the Second Vice President, Ambassador Seif Freedom Day held in Zanzibar.
The Zanzibar President, Dr. Ali Mohammed Shein (centre) poses in a group picture with a delegation of the Media Council of Tanzania MCT led by the Council’s Vice President, Chande Omar Omar (fourth from left). The Council’s Executive Secretary, Kajubi Mukajanga is fourth from right. Others from right are the Assistant to the Executive Secretary, Wambura Naomi Wassira, the Regulations and Standards Manager of the Council, Pili Mtambalike, and former MCT Vice President, Mariam Hamdani. From left is the Director of Communications at Zanzibar State House, Hassan Khatib, Zanzibar Programmes Officer of MCT, Shifaa Hassan and the Manager of the Zanzibar MCT office, Suleiman Seif Omar. (Photo by courtesy of Zanzibar State House). Guide for Journalists on Demographic Dividend is MCT’s latest publication From page 18 obtained through monitoring trends persuasive journalistic products. is examining whether there is existence of and events; secondly, planning the act In order to find answers to the three an enabling policy environment and laws of developing story ideas and preparing key questions, journalists are advised which enable investment sectors and investigative or data collection strategies to work on four focus sectors: Health, actions that may hasten progress towards and thirdly, production – the process of Education, Economic Reforms and Good harnessing the desired demographic data processing and storytelling. Governance. dividend; second, strategic question that is This area also involves post-production “To be more effective, journalists seeking to understand whether the plans processes such as monitoring and are advised to choose one area of being implemented and the investments following up on stories and their impacts focus to specialize on and attain deep being made are strategic and may help the in the community. Then there are three understanding, instead of trying to work country harness demographic dividend appeals for the works of a journalist on all the four areas shallowly. Should that and thirdly, on-the-ground question that is to have significant contribution in the be the case, whatever one chooses should working to see how the implementation country’s pursuit to reap the demographic be linked to population and development,” of policies, laws, strategies and plans are dividend. the guide urges. reflected in the daily lives of people and These are ethos that is ethics and seeking to evaluate whether the desired credibility; secondly, logos – the proper The author is a veteran Tanzanian end is attainable. use of logic, facts and figures appealing to Journalist and Editor. He can Then there are three key steps, that is the mind and create firm convictions and be reached through Mobile and preparation – the process of observation, thirdly, pathos that is appeal to emotion WhatsApp: 0754 – 388418 and collecting preliminary information and pushing for actions producing E-mail: [email protected]
21 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter
News
(TCRA) has clamped on the media. The article starts by the order to privately owned Clouds TV and Clouds FM on August 27, the second day of mainland Tanzania's official campaign period leading up to October 28 elections, to replace their regular programming with an hour- long apology until midnight and then halt programming altogether for a week. The over-the-top display of repentance was dictated by TCRA, on the grounds that both broadcasters had broken the law by airing parliamentary candidate nomination results without verifying the information with Tanzania's electoral commission. This kind of punishment is becoming more common in Tanzania. In 2020, the TCRA has ordered at least one online television station, a news site, and at least four other broadcasters to temporarily suspend programming, and fined at least 10 other media outlets, according to CPJ's review of TCRA's public statements. The regulator cited violent and sexual content as the reason it penalized some outlets; others were punished for allegedly misleading or biased reporting on topics like politics and the COVID-19 pandemic. The regulator's aggressive stance – the latest development in a years-long decline in press freedom in Tanzania documented by CPJ – is undermining the ability of the press to The Sub Sahara Representative of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) , Muthoki cover the upcoming elections independently, Mumo. according to a dozen journalists in Tanzania who spoke to CPJ in September and October. "There is an atmosphere of fear—a deeply ingrained fear for journalists. Self-censorship has set in. People prefer not to do things rather than do them and risk censure from CPJ decries TCRA or the ministry [of information]," said Jenerali Ulimwengu, a columnist with weekly TheEastAfrican newspaper and a former Tanzanian parliamentarian. Ulimwengu, who spoke to CPJ via clampdown on messaging app in September and October, said he thinks the media is shying away from criticizing Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Tanzania's ruling party. Incumbent President John Magufuli is Tanzania media running for reelection against 14 other candidates, according to reports. As the vote draws near, Tanzanian authorities have broadened their crackdown on civil society and the opposition, leading to towards elections concerns among political observers and By MW Reporter period leading to the general elections rights organizations that the conditions slated for October 28, 2020. in the country won't "engender free and In a lengthy article on the treatment of fair elections" as Ringisai Chikohomero, a he Committee to Protect the media during the period, Muthoki Mumo, researcher with African non-profit Institute Journalists (CPJ) has expressed CPJ’s Representative for Sub Sahara Africa for Security Studies, put it. concern on the muzzling of the cites numerous events where the Tanzania Journalists who spoke to CPJ in December Tmedia in Tanzania during the Communication Regulatory Authority Continues on page 23
22 March/April, 2012
News
In August and September, CPJ spoke to three people who had been prosecuted under this law who said the cost of registration is CPJ decries too prohibitive and that they live in fear of the possible penalties. "It is cheaper for me to go to prison for a year than to pay this fine," said blogger Jabir Johnson, the only one of the three who agreed to be named and whose court case is ongoing. clampdown on The regulator has also taken aim at local media for using foreign content. In August, the TCRA issued warnings to four Tanzanian radio stations for rebroadcasting a BBC interview of opposition presidential Tanzania media candidate Tundu Lissu, according to a TCRA statement. These warnings followed changes to broadcasting rules in June which require local stations to be licensed with TCRA in order towards elections to run any content other than their own, From page 22 CPJ to the government spokesperson, Hassan according to reports. Abbasi, but he did not respond to CPJ's texts The rules also include a vague stipulation 2015 were hopeful that the newly-elected or calls. that broadcasters must involve a government Magufuli might reform anti-press cybercrimes In April TCRA suspended Mwananchi, official in any dealings with foreigners, and statistics laws and stymie a problematic a Kiswahili-language newspaper, from without providing specifics. proposed media law. Instead, over the past publishing online for six months for posting Officials have explained the rules as a way five years CPJ has documented a bludgeoning an old video of Magufuli in a busy fish market. to keep track of partnerships with foreign of press freedom through retaliatory At the time, people familiar with the matter companies and to ensure that foreign content prosecutions, arbitrary media shutdowns, told CPJ the video had been construed to adheres to local standards, according to and restrictive legislation. show the president was acting imprudently media reports and a statement from TCRA. In July, Tanzania updated its 2018 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In July, the "We remain very concerned about the online content regulations, entrenching regulator hit Kwanza Online TV with an new regulation, as it seems to be a tool requirements for internet news providers, 11-month ban for sharing an American intended to control what media in Tanzania including bloggers, to pay exorbitant embassy COVID-19 travel warning, as CPJ will be able to publish in the future, ultimately registration fees to TCRA and strengthening documented. Mwananchi came back online putting the public at a disadvantage," the head prohibitions on broad categories of content, on October 16, according to reports on its of DW's Africa service, Claus Stäcker, told including political demonstrations and natural website and on The Citizen, which is owned CPJ via email though he said that all of the disasters, according to the rules, which CPJ by the same company. German broadcaster's Tanzanian partners reviewed. The updated regulations also Chambi Chachage, a Tanzanian political had received the new permit without delays. further empower TCRA, a self-described commentator and a post-doctoral research In an August 31 statement, the United "quasi independent Government body" associate at Princeton University, said that States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), established in 2003 to oversee electronic while some regulation is necessary, he was which oversees the broadcaster Voice of media and manage frequencies, to act as an concerned by what he called the inconsistent America (VOA), said that some of its Tanzania enforcer. and arbitrary application of the rules. affiliates had "promptly ceased carrying "TCRA has moved beyond a regulator and "Who decides you're going to be banned internationally produced programs" when taken on a seemingly censorious role," Maria for a week? For a year?" said Chachage, who the regulations became public. In an October Sarungi-Tsehai, director of the independent is based in the United States, in a video call 15 email, USAGM told CPJ that 23 of the Kwanza Online TV, told CPJ via messaging with CPJ. agency's 24 partner stations are now carrying app in September. Between January and April, the Tanzania VOA content; one is still awaiting a TCRA Khalifa Said, an independent journalist Human Rights Defenders Coalition permit to do so. who spoke to CPJ in September, recalled (THRDC) documented the prosecution of USAGM told CPJ it does not believe the interviewing a videographer to work with at least seven journalists and bloggers, for new broadcasting regulations would have him on a project who was so fearful that he allegedly failing to register websites and any impact on the VOA's coverage of the requested a clause in his contract absolving YouTube pages with the TCRA, according elections. However, local journalists who him of liability should the regulator come to the Coalition's public statements. The spoke to CPJ are less optimistic in their calling. Officials at TCRA did not respond Coalition, which is an umbrella body for outlook. to CPJ's emails requesting comment in local rights groups, said it had documented a "We are trying to be professional and September and October. CPJ also contacted total of at least 13 people prosecuted during balanced, but not even this will protect you. Tanzania's information minister and the this period; two were convicted and paid Right now, as a journalist, you will struggle," minister, Harrison Mwakyembe, in phone the minimum fine of five million Tanzanian said a reporter with Watetezi TV, an outlet conversation declined to comment, saying he shillings (US$2,150) rather than go to prison owned by the THRDC. The reporter was preoccupied with elections. He referred for 12 months. requested anonymity for fear of reprisal
23 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter
News Information should be readily From page 15 information officers to raise awareness on the importance of access to information and how to engage with the public on the matter. Initial response was indicatively positive, but there hasn’t been any progress on the matter. However, he added efforts should also be made to educate the public why access to information is important as most people are oblivious of this right. Also as a contribution to this, he said MCT earlier this year produced a cartoon based simplified version of the law in Kiswahili. The publication aims at educating the public on the importance, advantages and disadvantages of requesting or not requesting for information and also to remind information holders of their obligation to release information on time. Emphasizing the importance of information, Mukajanga underlined that the fact that MCT, CPJ join call information is crucial is not debatable as it has been attested by a surge of enactments of legislations on access to information worldwide. Reports show that laws that specifically guarantee the rights of citizens to access for release of four government information have increased from 40 in 2009 to 126 worldwide in 2019, he said. This trend according to UNESCO is important since access to information contributes to advancing the right to freedom of expression, and strengthening health education, gender equality, jailed Burundi building efficient and accountable institutions and countering corruption. That access to information is a human right is not a farfetched notion or an imagination, he said, adding that more societies and governments scribes have realized that and this explains the increase in enactments of laws to that effect. As part of the globally community, Tanzania has also enacted By MW Reporter Burundi's constitution and the African Access to Information (ATI) basically on the same Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. spirit of the importance of having an informed The statement urges their release as a citizenry. Much as we commend this very positive The Media Council of Tanzania and the "first step towards reopening civic space step, he said, there is still much to be done in the Committee to Protect Journalists joined 60 and recognizing the contribution of reliable implementation of the law enacted in 2016 as plus other press freedom and human rights media reporting in ensuring access to the country still grapples with setting up core organizations to call for the immediate and information." and requisite structure unconditional release of four journalists Iwacu broadcast reporter Christine In conclusion Mukajanga underscored that with the independent Burundian outlet Kamikazi, politics desk head Agnès “as we assemble here to celebrate the Right to Iwacu, who were arrested one year ago. Ndirubusa, English service reporter Egide Know Day, lets us all vow to make the IDUAI A statement released on October Harerimana, and photojournalist Térence slogan that Access to Information – saving lives, 23,2020 called the journalists' detention Mpozenzi were arrested on October 22, building trust, bringing a reality and tenable”. a "stark reminder" of Burundi's "little 2019, convicted of attempting to undermine tolerance for independent journalism state security, and sentenced to 2.5 years and free speech," and states that their each in prison, as CPJ has documented. persecution constitutes a violation of
24 October, 2020
News MCT gets another Clean Audit Certificate By MW Reporter procedures of MCT and its policies. especially those that had not secured funds For receiving the clean audit certification while others were funded from specific for 2019 accounts means that the Council project funds. he Media Council of Tanzania has been receiving clean audited reports The NGC appointed the audit firm continues to make record since its establishment in 1995. Auditax to audit the Council’s accounts in finance management and The report by the Finance Manager ending December 31, 2020 at the accounting by receiving a clean was laden with figures on income and recommendation of the Governing Board. Taudit certificate each year. expenditures and contributions by donors Auditax has audited the Council for four The Council’s Finance Manager, Mustapha and well wishers which enabled the council terms 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Peter Tarimo, reported before the 22nd to carry out its progamme activities. In recommending appointment of National General Convention (NGC) on There was a decline in the amount spent Auditax as the external auditor, the September 28,2020, that the accounts in 2019 as compared to 2018 due to the Council’s Board said it was satisfied by were audited by Auditax International – a fact that the level of programme activities the work done by the firm in audit of 2019 firm which was appointed by the Council’s in 2019 was slightly lower and fundraising financials. Governing Board in agreement with efforts could not fetch funds to implement “They were prompt, courteous, met donors. programmes at anticipated levels. deadlines and provided value for money”, The appointment of the audit firm was Tarimo explained that the activities the Board said in recommending the firm done in accordance with the procurement implemented were less capital intensive to the NGC.
The Finance Manager of the Media Council of Tanzania, Mustafa Peter Tarimo presents financial and accounts reports of the Council to the National General Convention held in Tanga.
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