March/April, 2012

Waliomeremeta

Issue No. 202 March, 2021

EJAT… Scribes honed on winning entries

News News News Why local Magufuli Sorting of media only legacy on EJAT entries reacted media Page 7 Page 9 Page 13 MCT, WINNER OF 2003 IPI FREE MEDIA PIONEER EDITORIAL AWARD Unfriendly media laws should be improved adam President , greetings and congratulations.Congratulations for assuming responsibilities of the highest office on the land. We are conscious of the gigantic tasks and challenges facing you, but we strongly believe you will prevail.M Madam President during your inauguration – when you took the oath of office, in your brief speech you came out clearly and praised the media for outstanding coverage of the developments and events on the passing on of the late President . We appreciate your acknowledgement on the role played by the media in the historical event. It is true that all along in this nation, the media role has been pivotal. The country managed to score development goals – urging for crop production, sensitizing on building classrooms, providing desks, building hostels for girls Editorial Board in schools, fighting genital mutilations, provision of clean water and rural electricity and mobilization of tax collection - just to cite a few examples Kajubi Mukajanga – by using the media. MCT EXECUTIVE SECRETARY However despite its immense contribution in national development, in the last few years, the media has experienced tough times. The working environment of the media has been bumpy following the enactment of pieces of legislation which instead of nurturing the industry to progress, place tight Hamis Mzee EDITOR controls whose overall impact is to prevent robust, independent journalism. It is pity that after 60 years of independence, and the positive role played by the media, such an unfriendly legal regime is put in place. We are not saying that having laws and regulation is bad as such. However, they should gear to spur progress instead of squeezing space for freedom of expression and press freedom. Some media houses have closed business rendering hundreds of workers jobless, others are in financial quagmire failing to pay salaries for several months. True, apart from the legal regime, the general business context, has changed; but having laws that hinder free and professional practice has not helped matters. It is time the negative perception of the media is reversed, unfriendly laws amended and improved to allow the industry to function professionally and profitably. Judgments by the courts to unban some publications that have been ignored should be implemented and those media outlets which had their licenses revoked should be licensed again and allowed to operate. The landmark judgment by the East African Court of Justice listing 16 sections of the Media Services Act as hindering press freedom and freedom Journalists drawn from various media of expression, and requiring the government to amend the law, should now outlets in the country follow closely be implemented. It is important that media should be regarded as a thought presentations during a master class provoking vehicle for promoting development instead of the negative perception organized by the Media Council of (MCT). that it instigates sedition.

2 March 2021

News

Journalists captured during the master class organized by the Media Council of Tanzania held in Dar es Salaam. veteran photographer Khalfan Said and versatile cartoonist Nathan Mpangala to share experience and expose the participants to what it takes to get and present award winning stories, photos Journalists and editorial cartoons. All facilitators specifically selected for the Master Class were former judges in the Excellency in Journalism Awards Tanzania (EJAT), an annual honed on what event to award media practitioners in recognition of outstanding performance. EJAT is organized by MCT in collaboration with partners. Among the issues that Ndimara told the participants is that they should read it takes to win extensively and should have a burning desire for a good story without which he said success will be elusive, adding that verification of facts is pertinent. His presentation on writing winning EJAT prize stories included such points as:- • Carefully determining the idea By MW Reporter The master class was organized on which you want to build your by the Media Council of Tanzania in product/story or two days, March 4 and 5, 2021 collaboration with Human Development • What is the subject of the idea you media practitioners drawn from Innovation Fund (HDIF). want to pursue various regions in the country Veteran journalist, publisher , media • What do you know about the idea/ attended a master class on how consultant and mentor Ndimara subject toF improve story writing, photo taking Tegambwage was teamed up with senior • Who else know (s) anything about and editorial cartoons. editor Hassan Mhelela of Azam Media, that idea/subject Continues on page 4

3 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter

News Journalists honed on what it takes to win EJAT prize

From page 3 • Why do you want to write about that area/subject • Who have you in mind as your audience • What public significance/utility has this idea • What urgency has this idea/subject • What novelty is/has this idea/ subject • What do you want to achieve • Getting down to story-telling with a purpose On content of the winning stories Ndimara said they must be told compellingly with accurate facts, figures and concrete evidence. On packaging, he said the stories must capture the target audience from start to finish and enable them to see and appreciate

the writer’s efforts. However he cautioned that would-be winning stories could be killed by mess-ups by incompetent sub-editors, or of editor, absence of entrepreneurial spirit, premature delivery, lack of completeness by not carrying more verified information, more sources and more viewpoints, and absence of research and extensive reading. Mhelela whose presentation was on Award Winning Journalism for Radio, Television and Online media elucidated broadly on TV, radio and online presentations and emphasized on quality of photos. He advised journalists to share their story ideas with their seniors. Journalism cannot be compromised, he said, and appealed for increased accuracy especially on on-line presentations. Mhelela highlighted prominence, proximity, currency, timeliness, conflict, impact, human interest, and oddity as requisite ingredients of news. He told the participants of the Media trainer, mentor and consultant, Ndimara Tegambwage facilitates during the master Continues on page 6 class for journalists drawn from various media outlets in the country.

4 March 2021

News

Editors attend a luncheon meeting organized by the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF).

support the industry. Others were of the opinion that media houses should operate Editors deliberate with business plans and discard the tendency of operating on routine basis. Media business is not tenable for most media houses, most editors on shaky future concurred pointing out that it was impossible to depend for prosperity on newspaper sales. Fear has permeated the industry resulting into self-censorship and no of media serious investigative stories can see the light of the day especially during By MW Reporter pathetic with sales on the downturn, this period in time where restrictions terribly affecting circulation and on what to write, publish and advertising from the biggest advertiser broadcast have become the norm. How did we get here?” Some – the government – is elusive There were also a proposal of editors who attended a luncheon especially for critical and probing ditching stories on politics and instead on the future of the media held outlets. report on people related events and in Dar es Salaam on March 11, “What has really happened? Where development in general. 2021“ repeatedly asked. are the stories which would attract However, an element of During discussions at the meeting readers?” one newspaper editor apprehension surfaced as editors organized by the Tanzania Editors who is no longer in the newsroom thought that the authorities would Forum (TEF), the reaction of most wondered. have jitters such stories would editors was akin to soul searching There was no clear-cut answer stimulate complaints from the public. as they openly wondered what had during the meeting with some editors Dilemma is what most editors felt befallen the “fourth estate”. suggesting that media houses should on the way forward for the media. The situation of the industry is start other businesses which would Continues on page 8

5 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter

News

From left Photo Journalist Khalfan Said, Hassan Mhelela Editor AzamMedia and Cartoonist Nathan Mpangala who facilitated during the master class where journalists were honed on winning entries for the Excellence in Journalism Awards Tanzania (EJAT). advanced by editors. He said though constant rejection of their work may in turn sap creativity, Journalists honed they should soldier on as cartoons are quite effective in relaying messages. MCT Programme Officer Paul Mallimbo presented criteria and regulations for participating in EJAT. on what it takes to Speaking during the Master Class, Communication officer of HDIF, Hannah Mwandoloma challenged journalists to embrace change and always ask win EJAT prize themselves why they are writing a particular story. It should not only From page 4 imperative in radio journalism, he said. be for selling but also it should bring master class that when one wants to Catchy items and good storytelling, change. She said the story should call report, he/she should ask the following good pictures and videos are crucial for for action. question: How does this affect my online journalism, he said. Opening the Master Class, the readers', listeners' or viewers’ lives? Photo journalists should prepare Executive Secretary of MCT, Kajubi If it is not new or unusual, if it is not carefully… they should not rush, Mukajanga said that EJAT has been well interesting or significant, and if it will Khalfan Said advised. He also advised organized since its inception in 2009. not affect your readers' or listeners' use of quality camera and lenses for He said there have been developments lives, then it is not news. better, presentable and winning photos. and improvements and now the Awards He elaborated on clear writing or Creativity was a rallying appeal made have attained a national character simplicity in narration with emphasis by facilitator Mpangala to cartoonist with winners emerging from over the on accuracy, sequence and continuity, to produce high quality cartoons with country. presentation of facts first and the strong messages. The Awards have proved that if a importance of quotes, attribution and He said he was aware of the journalist desires and has commitment background. challenges and frustrations that he/she definitely will succeed, he said. Strong and steady visuals, quality cartoonists encounter in newsrooms The master class was concluded audio, clear narration, good sequences when their work is rejected on by a panel discussion whose theme is crucial for television journalism grounds like we cannot publish that was Driving Tanzania’s Digital whereas distortion free audio, good cartoon as it contravenes certain Transformation: Where does the Media natural sounds, good story telling is editorial policies or any other excuses Stand.

6 March 2021

News analysis Why local media only ‘reacted’ on the President’s whereabouts? in Kenya, then transferred to India for with the President and he was well. By MW Reporter treatment after contracting COVID-19 The official reaction on the health of the compounded by stroke in early March. President was capped by a statement by the After more than two weeks of then Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan hilst foreign media – BBC, speculations and arrests of some individuals that the country was stable and appealed Aljazeera, newspapers accused for spreading rumours on the for solidarity among members of the public such as the Daily Nation health of the President, top leaders came stating that it was more so now. and Taifa Leo and online out with skewed information on the She said it was normal for a human Wposts carried stories inquiring on the resident of the State House at Magogoni, being to be checked on either flu, fever, or whereabouts of President John Pombe Dar es Salaam. anything else. Magufuli, the local media chose to stay First it was the Prime Minister, Kassim She conveyed greetings from the mum. Majaliwa who claimed after prayers in a president and his appreciation to people in The President was last seen in public on southern town that the President was well, the region for electing him for the second February 27, 2021 but had since not been dispelling rumours on his health. term. in the limelight raising speculation on his The Regional Commissioner of Mbeya This statement instead of clearing the whereabouts and his health. , Albert Chalamila, also came out with air it appeared to be confounding and Reports which were unconfirmed another statement that he had spoken Continues on page 8 initially said he had been hospitalized

The Kenyan newspapers Daily Nation and Taifa Leo how they covered the story of the whereabouts of the late President John Joseph Pombe Magufuli.

7 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter

News analysis Why local media only ‘reacted’ on the President’s whereabouts? From page 7 interestingly the local media which had not dared in the first place to report on the whereabouts of the President carried the rebuttals by the Prime Minister and the Vice President prominently. The flagship newspaper of the ruling , Uhuru came out with a bizzare headline – “Magufuli Roars”- while the story was about the statement by the Prime Minister and the Mbeya Regional Commissioner claiming the president was well. The Uhuru headline was strengthened by a quotation ”… Today I have spoken with him and he greets you. They are saying the president should come out, where should he go? Have you met him one day loitering at Kariakoo? The President has his work plan – Majaliwa.” While Uhuru carried the weird headline The CCM party newspaper Uhuru reportage on the whereabouts of President John Joseph and concocted story, the Sunday Nation Pombe Magufuli. of Kenya carried a screaming headline – “Cloud over Magufuli” with a large photo was still sick). for his replacement. of the President donning a green shirt- the Under the constitution, the President Article 18 of the constitution provides colour of the ruling party CCM and its cannot just disappear. In case he is for receiving, accessing, processing and sister paper had a headline saying “Magufuli incapacitated and incapable of executing his disseminating information regardless of bado ni mteja” (literary meaning – Magufuli duties, an elaborate mechanism is in place borders. Editors deliberate on shaky future of media From page 5 With the whereabouts of the way forward and elucidated on the Drastic actions taken by the President John Pombe Magufuli roles of the media, government authorities against media outlets unknown, the gathering ruptured and the people. He spoke on the include imposition of hefty fines, into a huge laughter after one confluence of 5 Global crises which revocation or suspension of license, editor suggested the meeting set need to be addressed - health and outright and indefinite bans. up a committee of editors who (endemic pandemic?), Economic Court orders to lift the ban on would go to the offices of the Chief (fragmentation?), Social inequality, media outlets that had successfully Spokesperson of the Government to democratic retreat and climate challenged the government have fallen inquire about the President. change. into deaf ears. The luncheon meeting was Under an arrangement reached Despite the enactment of Access to sponsored by Taweza East Africa with Twaweza, the organization will Information legislation in 2016, flow of whose Director, Aidan Eyakuze sponsor the editors luncheons for six information is restricted. made the presentation on possible months.

8 March 2021

News analysis Magufuli’s legacy… Media subdued to timidity By MW Reporter such as the Tanzania Communications Stations and online media on slightest Regulatory Authority (TCRA) compound excuses of contravening broadcast media practice woes as it often slaps regulations. imidity, censorship and lack of hefty fines on TV These grim developments are the vibrancy characterized the local and Radio outcome of the arm-twisting of the media media in the last five years. purveyed by the administration of the Newspaper circulation late President John Magufuli. drasticallyT dropped with some of the The administration did not national titles such as Mtanzania, The provide room for alternative African, and Rai closing while Tanzania views and to survive the media Daima had its licence revoked. has been compelled to toe Critical publications such as the the line by carrying reports weeklies Mwanahalisi and Mawio were that only appease the banned and despite court orders authorities. reversing the ban, are still not published One national newspaper as the authorities have refused to provide was forced to fire its editor them licence to operate again. simply because a top official It is during this period that the Media in the Information Ministry Services Act 2016 laden with unfriendly did not like the style of his provisions was enacted introducing annual work! licenses to operate media business. Another media house The law empowers authorities had suspended its own to suspend, revoke and reject to publication for three renew licenses at will. months and sacked Regulatory bodies its editor after it had published a story that the Continues on page 10

The late President John Joseph Pombe Magufuli

9 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter

News analysis Magufuli’s legacy… Media subdued to timidity From page 9 company feared was not favourable to the authorities. Fear has permeated the industry to the extent that media houses meekly pay fines as ordered by regulatory bodies without resistance, without even referring their grievances to the Fair Competition Tribunal. The late President Magufuli’s stand on the media was crystal clear. He detested negative reports and did not entertain criticism. There were reports that editors were ordered through phone calls purportedly from Ikulu (State House) to ignore statements the authorities did not like published. A recent example was a statement by the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) on the effects of COVID-19. The Roman Catholic Church had reported it has lost 60 nuns and over 20 priests mostly due to COVID-19 and urged its adherents to take precautionary steps including using face masks. Some publications with wide –readership did not publish the story after receiving the orders. Likewise a statement by the Tanganyika Law Society on the same issue was not covered. The government through its Chief Spokesman, warned against the tendency of announcing reports on deaths and disease outside the government system. Ostensibly due to pressure from the authorities, the media has been turned to mouthpiece of the establishment reporting merely on the leadership and Mawio and MwanaHalisi newspapers which have been banned and though they successfully not on citizens. challenged the banning orders in courts, they are yet to be licensed to operate again. This trend was challenged by a senior Tanzania Daima has it licence revoked. former leader now on retirement who administration he sounded a stern Though in the speech, the President asked at one event organized by the warning telling the media, “Watch it…you initially seemed to offer an olive branch Media Council of Tanzania (MCT): “Where are not free to that extent”. to the press and politicians when he are those reports, stories and interviews And when he opened the first Bunge pledged commitment to press freedom on the people?” A set of what is known session of the newly elected members and democracy, his warning un-wrapped as “strategic media” – newspapers and of Parliament in Dodoma on November his position on the media. “I think I have online TV have been established to malign 13, 2020 after the October 28 General been understood“, the President had said and insult those seen as critics of the Election, he warned the media and without elaborating further. His remarks establishment.. politicians that there was no freedom were a clear manifestation of tougher At the very early stage of the Magufuli without responsibility. times ahead.

10 March 2021

News analysis

COVID-19 and the TEC – Tanzania Episcopal Conference which came with figures of nuns and priests who are reported to have died So which is which? from the pandemic. In view of the reported increase of fatalities By MW Reporter arguing that the government has specific following the surge of COVID-19 cases, TLS procedures for releasing such information. urged the media to be on the forefront in He said on outbreak of contagious diseases informing the public on the disease. recent go-ahead by President there are procedures in the social services In a statement, the Mainland bar John Pombe Magufuli legislations stipulating leaders of which rank association made a wide ranging appeal to (deceased) for officials to can provide such information to the public. the general public, the government , the clergy provide information to the The spokesperson’s first assertion of and religious institutions, National Assembly, publicA was followed by a statement by providing information to the public augurs Judiciary and media on the challenges of the the Chief Government Spokesperson Dr. well with article 18 of the constitution of the disease which has spread the all over the Hassan Abbasi stating that the President’s United Republic of Tanzania that people have world. directive on releasing information was the right to seek, process and disseminate TLS said so far it had lost over 20 members being implemented. information regardless of borders. mostly due to the disease, and cited two He said an official or executive who However, the second assertion is restrictive. articles of the Constitution of the United reneged on the directive “should not apportion It is unfortunate that this government Republic of Tanzania which it said should be blame to anyone”. position was sounded particularly after the religiously adhered to - Article 14 which deals Dr. Abbasi added that the Minister for Tanganyika Law Society came on the right to life and Article 18 on the right Information, Innocent Bashungwa, had with figures of its of people to be informed. signed an instructive letter on the members who There may be some other reports which directive which also requires all may have may have compelled the authorities to frown. public institutions to follow-up died of However the report by TEC, the on the matter. conference of bishops of the Roman Catholic Dr. Abbasi was Church in Tanzania founded in 1956, may have speaking to editors jolted the authorities into action as some who were attending editors confided to Media Watch that they had a workshop orders from above to ignore it. after visiting the The TEC statement said the church lost huge Nyerere 60 nuns and 20 priests mostly on account of Dam project COVID-19. for generating Following the TEC disclosure, one of electricity. the so –called “strategic newspapers” He said releasing whose editorial inclination is to support information was the establishment through and through both a legal and came out with a negative headline against constitutional the Secretary General of TEC who read matter and the the statement. President’s directive For those conversant with freedom of would be adhered to. expression and right to information, the Whoever reneged above scenario would definitely leave would be doing so them questioning - Which is which? against authority, the law and constitution. However a few days later, Dr. Abbasi was giving other instructions on releasing information. This time around he was after people and institutions which have been making public statements on diseases and deaths. He warned the media and private individuals on releasing information on deaths and diseases

The Chief Government spokesperson, Dr. Hassan Abbasi

11 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter

Opportunity

12 March 2021

News Sorting of 2020 EJAT entries completed By Salim Said Salim Mallimbo said this time around EJAT has journalists and editors was held in Dar es attracted many as reflected by the entries Salaam on March 4 and 5, 2021 to raise the which have been submitted by journalists capacity of journalists to produce award- he Media Council of Tanzania reporting for local and international media. winning journalism. (MCT) has finalized sorting out He said even veterans have submitted The training was organized by MCT entries submitted for the 2020 entries. The following step will be to group in partnership with Human Development Excellence in Journalism Awards the entries according to categories and basing Initiative Fund (HDIF). TTanzania (EJAT). on the media type – print, electronic and HDIF had sponsored the Human EJAT Coordinator, Paul Mallimbo, has said online. They will be further broken according Development Reporting category in 2019 that in the process journalists who are vying to regions. EJAT. Master classes were held in the past but for the awards were informed by phone The entries will be scrutinized by a panel later the Council ran specific in-house training or through sms that their entries had been of judges to pick the winners and runners-up. depending on the training needs of media received. Meanwhile, a master class for over 50 outlets.

Paul Mallimbo, Programme officer of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) sorts entries submitted for the Excellence in Journalism Awards Tanzania (EJAT) 2020.

13 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter

Guidelines on Covid-19 MCT GUIDELINES ON REPORTING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Following reported cases of victims of the coronavirus pandemic respiratory illness, such as coughing and sneezing. Always in the country early last year, the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. developed a set of guidelines for local journalists on reporting • Wash your hands regularly with hot water and soap. Use anti- the outbreak. bacterial gel or wipes if hot water and soap is not available, but As the new wave of the pandemic is claiming many lives and always follow this up with a hot water and soap wash as soon afflicting many people, we decided to publish again the guidelines as possible. as the Council is mandated to oversee that journalists in Tanzania • Maintain a ‘safe’ distance when interviewing anyone showing adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards in order symptoms. to ensure that the media conducts itself appropriately during the • Consider your mode of transportation to and from the crisis period. assignment. Avoid traveling on public transportation at rush hour and make sure to use alcohol gel on hands when The guidelines are as follows: disembarking. • While not downplaying the gravity of the situation, contribute • Use directional microphones from a safe distance rather than to the efforts geared at reducing fear and panic among the clip mics. public. • Use protective gloves if working in or visiting an infected site • Seek to understand plans and strategies being implemented such as a medical treatment facility. Other medical personal to address the outbreak and its social and economic impact. protective equipment (PPE) such as a bodysuit and full face • Talk to as many different people as possible. Do your best to mask may also be necessary. capture the different realities people are living in during the • Equipment such as cameras, recorders and microphones which outbreak to help authorities get feedback so they can plan are widely shared amongst staff must disinfected using fast appropriate interventions. • Strictly adhere to professional acting microbial wipes, before and after every use and their conduct, using credible sources of information such as medical operators required to wear gloves. doctors, Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation • Always ensure your hands are washed thoroughly with hot (WHO). water and soap before, during, and after leaving an affected • Be aware of misinformation. Strive to establish the truth so area. that you do not become part of the problem of disseminating • If you develop symptoms, especially fever or shortness of false information. breath, seek medical treatment. If you are in a heavily infected • Treat the victims of the corona virus with dignity and respect area, you may risk encountering COVID19 infected patients at their right to privacy. Minimize interviews with them, photos crowded treatment centres, therefore increasing your chances of victims should be avoided and their names excluded from of exposure. stories to minimize unnecessary exposure, unless the subjects • Always follow the local health authorities' guidance and themselves want to be known and share their experience. instructions. • Visual reporting on the crisis is valuable, but it needs to be • WHO and Ministry of Health are in agreement that it is not carried out responsiblyReporters should make sure their necessary for people without symptoms to wear masks, images accurately portray what’s going on. unless you are told to by the local authorities; or you are in • Focus on reporting, not analysis unless it is through expert a high-risk area such as a hospital; or you are taking care of a opinion. person with suspected COVID-19 infection. • Watch your headlines. With a high volume of information, and • Those who have reported from active outbreak areas may be the fast pace of social media, many people get their news from required to stay away from the office or interacting with news headlines alone. sources, family members and others for a period 14 days. • Use statistics and graphics accurately and in context to avoid • Programmes that require studio audience presence should causing panic. be discouraged. If necessary then guests must be seated at • Avoid racist tropes –do not encourage stereotypes or least one meter from each other. This protocol also applies to inadvertently promote racist interpretations. the distance between the anchor/host and the nearest guest. • Regularly check the status of any event you plan on attending, Anchors/Radio hosts must wash their hands before and after taking into account there is a ban on public gatherings above their show and avoid touching their faces at any time. a certain number of people. • Sanitisers must be put at all entrances to the media houses • Always take into account the possibility of being grounded in with special consideration being given to studio entrances. a quarantine/lockdown zone. Guests and anchors must clean their hands before entering • Consider the potential psychological impact of reporting from the studio. Crew must wash hands with water and soap before an area affected by COVID-19, especially if reporting from a and after each production and where necessary put on masks medical or isolation facility, or quarantine zone. and gloves. • Ensure you have a contingency plan in place, taking into • Editing benches, computers, mixers in the gallery and other account that certain areas, specific regions, and/or entire equipment must be disinfected before and after every countries can be locked down and quarantined with little or production or editing session. These draft considerations have no notice. been adopted from several local, regional and international • Avoid close contact with anybody showing symptoms of best practices

14 March 2021

News

authorities to ensure that any measure adopted is not discriminatory, whether in letter or in practice, and does not trample Laws on media on media pluralism, in line with Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. “It must not have the effect of stifling a sector of society whose work is so essential to ensuring an open and diverse should respect media environment”, the Commissioner added. Regarding the draft law on ‘protection of freedom of speech of social media users’, which envisages the establishment of a human rights body to review appeals against internet companies’ decisions on access to content, the Commissioner expressed concern about the independence of the body, the overly broad definition of what constitutes standards illegal content coupled with persisting gaps in the national framework regarding hate By MW Reporter This is contained in a letter to the speech, and the lengthy data retention Prime Minister of Poland, by the Council of obligation introduced by the bill. She urged Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, the Polish authorities to ensure that any aws concerning ‘advertising Dunja Mijatović on two draft laws on media measures to regulate the scope of social revenue tax on media outlets’ and on concerning an ‘advertising revenue media companies’ decision-making over ‘protection of freedom of speech of tax on media outlets’ and ‘protection of online content are based on clear and social media users’ must respect freedom of speech of social media users. predictable provisions, pursue a legitimate humanL rights standards, specifically those The Commissioner expressed concern aim, and are necessary in a democratic related to freedom of expression, media that the tax proposed in the first draft bill society. freedom and pluralism, and the right to would, in practice, lead to the suffocation of She also pointed out that suspicious respect for privacy. independent media outlets, thereby limiting mass retention of communications data Also adopted measures should not the public’s ability to choose the content of is contrary to the rule of law, and that be discriminatory, whether in letter or in their interest and unduly restricting their effective remedies should be available practice, and does not trample on media freedom to receive information. against all decisions related to user content pluralism She therefore urged the Polish and data. Halt surveillance of journalists, CPJ appeals New York, In light of dozens of and their loved ones and we urgently Key Points: incidents in which journalists and those need transparency and accountability," * Spyware can expose communications close to them have been targeted with said Robert Mahoney, CPJ's deputy with sources, track a journalist's spyware, the Committee to Protect executive director. movements, or steal private Journalists on March 15, 2021 launched a "That's why we're calling on information, putting targets at risk campaign calling on governments to stop governments to ban spyware attacks of physical attack and other forms of the use of spyware and to take steps to on the press, and sanction those who censorship. prevent states with bad press freedom continue to authorize, conduct, or * Researchers have attributed the records from getting such tools. facilitate them - including companies and attacks to actors in the UAE, Saudi CPJ mapped dozens of incidents in third parties supplying technology and Arabia, Morocco, Ethiopia, Mexico, and which journalists and those close to them expertise behind closed doors." India. were targeted with spyware since 2011. Many countries suspected of spying * The spyware targets were located in The project draws on published research are notorious for repressing the media, nine countries including the United and CPJ interviews to demonstrate the and CPJ research shows that some of the States, Canada, the United Kingdom, global press freedom implications of journalists targeted, or those connected and France. surveillance using advanced tools sold to with them, have also faced arrest and * Four companies accused of supplying governments for law enforcement and physical violence in reprisal for their the spyware are based in Israel, Italy, intelligence gathering. work. and Germany. "A secretive spyware industry has * Some of the targets have been jailed enabled the powerful to spy on journalists for their work.

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NewsWaliomeremeta

The Human Resources and Administrative Manager of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), Ziada Kilobo (left) presents a TZS 3 million cheque to Hilda Amedhastone Phoya who was one of the two overall winners of the Excellence in Journalism Awards Tanzania (EJAT) 2019.

a TV presenter with Azam Media, in addition to certificates and trophies, was entitled to that amount of money provided to overall winners by the Media Council to facilitate EJAT overall pursuance of further studies. Presenting the cheque, Ms Kilobo congratulated Phoya and wished her more success. Phoya is now pursuing a master’s degree at the School of Journalism and Mass winner collects Communication (SJMC) of the University of Dar es Salaam. Phoya was a fresh graduate from SJMC when she won the overall spot alongside Halili Habib Letea a 2015 graduate in prize money Statistics and Economics of University of Dar es Salaam. To win the overall spot in the 2019 EJAT, Phoya had submitted entries aired by Mlimani TV- in three categories: Business, Economy from MCT and Finance reporting; Children reporting and By MW Reporter . from the Media Council of Tanzania Road safety reporting. (MCT). To win the overall spot, Letea who works She was presented a cheque for the for Mwananchi Communications Limited ilda Amedhastone Phoya, one amount by the Human Resources and publishers of The Citizen and Mwananchi, of the two overall winners of Administrative Manager of the Council, Ziada emerged top in three categories – Oil, Gas the Excellence in Journalism Kilobo, on March 8, 2021 at the new Council and Mining Governance; Data Journalism; and Awards Tanzania (EJAT) 2019, offices in Tegeta, Dar es Salaam. Education reporting in which he took both hasH collected her three million shillings For emerging overall winner, Phoya who is the first and second place.

16 March 2021

News CPJ presses for action on abduction, beating of editor Lisbon, Authorities in Guinea-Bissau should thoroughly investigate the attack on journalist António Aly Silva and ensure those responsible are held to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists has demanded. At about 2 p.m. on March 9, in Bissau, the capital, four men in plain clothes abducted Silva at gunpoint, drove him out of the city, threatened and robbed him, and beat him unconscious, according to the journalist, who spoke to CPJ via messaging app, and media reports. He told CPJ he did not know the attackers’ identities or motives. Silva edits the privately owned news website Ditadura do Consenso, which frequently criticizes the country’s government and President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. Silva said Embaló had recently called him to complain about an article critical of the Guinea- Bissau government’s decision to pay for a plane chartered by the president of Cape Verde. “He threatened to put me in my place and then this happens,” Silva said. “Authorities in Guinea-Bissau must thoroughly investigate the appalling assault Editor António Aly Silva after he being assaulted. on journalist António Aly Silva, determine the motive, and fully prosecute those arrived and helped him. that peace, security, and safety were upheld in responsible,”said CPJ’s Africaprogram They took him to a nearby road and he the country. coordinator, Angela Quintal, in New York. hitched a ride to an infirmary run by the United Contacted by CPJ via messaging app, a “President Embaló should send a clear Nations Development Program, where he was spokesman for the public prosecutor’s office, message that attacks on the press will not treated and given painkillers. The attack left him Queba Coma, forwarded a press release be condoned, and publicly commit to press with bruises and cuts on his body and head, condemning the attack, and saying it had opened freedom in Guinea-Bissau by ensuring Silva’s and a cut to his tongue, which made talking and a formal inquiry to identify and prosecute those safety and that of all journalists in the country.” eating difficult, Silva said. who attacked the journalist. The four men stopped Silva’s vehicle at He described the experience as “a day of Presidential spokesperson Pamela gunpoint on a busy Bissau street, forced him pure terror.” Ferreira told CPJ via messaging app that the out, and shoved him into an unmarked white He said the men wore civilian clothes, president was “not a violent person,” and cited van; they then drove him to Alto de Bandin, an although he did notice that three of them wore media reports in which Embaló denied any industrial area about 10 minutes from the city what appeared to be olive-green military t-shirts involvement in the attack. center, he told CPJ. under their clothes. “The president has personally instructed the There, the men threatened him with an Silva told CPJ and Portugal’s Lusa news competent authorities, the public prosecutor AK-47 rifle, and forced him to unlock his phone agency that he had not gone to a public hospital and the minister of interior to fully investigate and provide his password, Silva said. They also or opened a case with the police, because he the attacks,” she told CPJ. Ferreira said covered his eyes with his shirt, tried to choke did not trust public institutions. she did not know anything about whether him, and punched and beat him with their rifles The non-profit Guinean Human Rights the president had called Silva, and could not until he lost consciousness, he said. League (LGDH) filed a complaint with the comment on it. “They were yelling that they were there to judicial police on his behalf, according to Silva In 2012, CPJ documented how soldiers kill me,” Silva said, adding that his attackers did and LGDH vice-president Bubacar Turé, who arrested Silva and threatened him with death, not refer to his reporting or say anything else, spoke to CPJ via phone. Following the attack, prompting him to flee the country. Silva told CPJ and that they also stole his wallet and phone. LGDH joined 22 other groups in a statement in that he has been repeatedly arrested, beaten, Silva regained consciousness after passersby support of Silva, and calling on Embaló to ensure and harassed over his work since 1992.

17 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter

Obituary Fred Jim Mdoe: a focused journalist, publisher

By SaidiNguba

nother media doyen in Tanzania, the legendary Fred Jim Mdoe, is gone. He was almost immortal, surviving Awell and kicking with his sharp pen and stringent commentary through all phase governments: Nyerere’s, Mwinyi’s, Mkapa’s, Kikwete’s and now Magufuli’s only that he could not finish with this last one. A failed health which started a couple of years ago took him. At one point he was on a wheel chair. He passed away on February 15, 2021 at JakayaKikwete Cardiac Institute and was buried at the Kinondoni cemetery in Dar es Salaam leaving behind his dear spouse, Jane Tibenda, and five children. Born June 16, 1944 inMuheza, Tanga, Mdoe attended St. Andrew’s College (now Minaki Secondary School) between 1960 and 1963 and later took courses in journalism and graphic design at various institutes including African American Institute in Washington DC; London School of Journalism and London University, earning a handful of certificates and diplomas between 1964 and The late Fred Jim Mdoe 1972. In between and up to 1974 he worked with the Nation electronic and consultancy. were such like Ngurumo and Media Group in Nairobi, Kenya; Mdoe’s epoch-making religious publications, Lengo, Tanganyika Broadcasting time was between 1977 and Sikio and Kiongozi before Corporation (the then TBC); 2000 when he almost single- the floodgates of media United States Information handedly published and edited mushrooming were opened Services (USIS); East African his privately-owned Fahari with the liberalization policy Publishing House and British newspaper. It is a known fact of the early 1990’s. And almost Broadcasting Corporation that in the 1970’s the law did not everybody was amazed as Mdoe (BBC). He was Communications bar as such the establishment of fought tooth and nail and brought Secretary and Member of the privately-owned newspapers but his Fahari on the news-stand Editorial Board of the National it was extremely difficultwith a in 1977. “When I was kick- Christian Council of Kenya lot of red-tape and cumbersome starting Fahari, people thought between 1975 and 1976. He registration procedures. I was mad, or dangerous… amassed rich experience in the The few privately-owned others thought I was an agent media profession, print and newspapers which were tolerated Continues on page 19

18 March 2021

Obituary Fred Jim Mdoe a focused journalist, publisher From page 18 and exposed in the media among of bank notes resting on the 17 persons who were regarded table under the news magazine. provocateur…,” Mdoe had to say as “rumour mongers” in state Then he stared at me saying later. Fahari was renowned for its matters and governance, but “You and Salva can’t finish this long informative and analytical were not officially charged. Some off…” pointing to the cash. We articles and it became so popular. of Nyerere’s aides said later that definitely couldn’t. But unfortunately it could not in one state functionwhen Mdoe But Mdoe was also focused survive the competition after the met the President he quipped: and obviously left a legacy. In proliferation of newspapers in “Mwalimu, I think you have an interview, the clip of which the country. Fahari had to fold. been very unfair to me on the is now available on You Tube, After the demise of Fahari in list of rumour mongers…,” and he spoke about his path and left 2000 he went into consultancy Mwalimu asked why. “You put me something for the media and with his Fred Jim Mdoe Media at number17…as a journalist I other stakeholders to ponder. and Communication Consultancy was hurt, I should have been the He welcomed the proliferation of firm, based in Dar es Salaam. 1st…”Mwalimu laughed it off and the media in the country, but was Mdoe was very versatile. went away. bitter about monopoly, that is On one hand he was cheerful, At a press conference at one media house owning a fleet of friendly, joker in the sense of a former Forodhani Hotel (now newspapers and many radio and person who is fond of jokes, not the premises of the Appeal television channels. as informally an inept person. Court), which I also attended, we He also spoke against both self And he was witty and very had MzeeRashidiKawawa, then and authoritarian censorships. intelligent. But on the other Prime Minister and the 2nd Vice “But we need to weed out hand he was capable of suddenly President. The procedure was irresponsibility, that is why we releasing very strong emotions to identify your-self and ask a created the independent Media when he thought he should. question. When it was Mdoe’s Council…libel cases have now And he was very daring. At one turn, he said: “I don’t think I have gone down considerably in newspaper he used to work to identify myself, because me courts as a result of arbitration with in Kenya, aMzungu (White and the honourableKawawa have by the council,” he said. On man) news editor boasted at known each other so well for a this he added: “we have a lot of a morning postmortem in the long time…” We all, including Mr. newspapers now, but some of newsroom of having worked with Kawawa, burst into laughter. And them are just scandal sheets, great newspapers in London. his question was answered. there is hardly any news…”. But Mdoe, who seemed to have Brother Jim or Brother Mdoe, He was also against Machinga not been convinced, retorted: as some of us used to call him, journalists (bare-foot, untrained “Could be, but may be as a copy was sometimes spendthrift, journalists), saying they are boy…” A copy boy is somebody extravagant and used to like his tarnishing the profession. down the ladder in the newsroom drink. If he gotgood money, he We greatly miss Fred Jim whose work is to handle copy even chartereda plane to visit Mdoe, a brother, mentor and to and from the editors, sub- the national parks. One day prolific media person. Never, ever editors and news writers. over the weekend he called me again will we witness his charm, Mdoe was immediately sacked from my office to meet him at charisma and amiable personality. for misconduct as a result of the gardens of Movenpick Hotel • The author is a veteran his comment. But outside the (now Serena). He was in the Tanzanian journalist. He was newspaper, he later explained company of another colleague, Editor for UHURU (1997 – to me and his colleagues SalvaRweyemamu. “Saidi,” he 2004); Managing Editor for acknowledged, he gained a lot told me, “you can’t be in the MWANANCHI (2004 – 2005) and of respect and he was looked office at this hour over the Press Secretary to the Prime upon with great awe over this weekend… join us and let us Minister (2006 – 2013). He can encounter with the Mzungu. enjoy adrink…” Then he lifted be reached through Mobile/ During President Nyerere’s up The Newsweek magazine WhatsApp: 0754 – 388418 and era, at one time, Mdoe was listed for me to see a huge bundle E-Mail: [email protected]

19 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter

News MCT presents books to National Library By MW Reporter . said producing various publications on Speaking during the occasion, Deputy journalism and media was one of the Director of the National Library Ngatila responsibilities of the Council. thanked the Council for its contribution he Media Council of Tanzania MCT presented the books for use and appealed to other people and (MCT) has presented 400 by readers around the country and for institutions to ensure they submit at least copies of its publications to the archiving. two copies of their publications to the National Central Library. Mukajanga recalled that the Council Library for legal deposit as required by the TThe Executive Secretary of the Council, has often been sending publications to law. Kajubi Mukajanga, presented 300 copies the Library pointing out that the recent 'Many do not present the copies, though of Code of Ethics for Media Professional publications were the 'State of the this is a legal requirement. Therefore I take and 100 copies of Guidelines on Teaching Media Report, 2017/2018', 'Common this opportunity to thank the Council for Media Ethics to the Deputy Director of Ethical Transgressions' and the ‘Dar es presenting the publications which will be the Library, Asha Ngatila, on March 3, 2021. Salaam Declaration on Editorial Freedom, distributed to our 43 branches throughout Presenting the publications, Mukajanga Independence and Responsibility’ (DEFIR). the country”, she said.

The Executive secretary of the Media Council Kajubi Mukajanga presents a copy of books donated by the Council of the Tanzania Central Library to the library’s Deputy Director , Asha Ngatila,

Complaints or inquiries should be addressed to: 20Executive Secretary, Media Council of Tanzania, P.O. Box 10160, Dar es Salaam, Tel.: 022-2775728, 022-2771947 Cell: 0784 314880 Fax: 022 2700370 E-mail: [email protected] www.mct.or.tz