President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, receiving the Special Committee Report on Assessing Performance and Economic Status of Mainland Tanzanian Media from Committee Chairperson Veteran Journalist Tido Mhando at the Second Media Development Sector Forum in Mlimani City, Dar es Salaam, on June 18, 2024.Photo: State House
Challenges and Commitments: Tanzania’s Media Forum Calls for Press Freedom Reforms
By Adonis Byemelwa
Today, on June 18, 2024, at Mlimani City in Dar es Salaam, a pivotal event unfolded with profound implications for Tanzania’s media landscape and democratic framework. Ernest Sungura, Chairman of the Coalition on the Right to Information (CoRI) and Executive Director of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), passionately addressed the pressing challenges confronting journalists across the country at the Media Development Sector Forum.
This gathering, attended by prominent figures including President Samia Suluhu Hassan, underscored critical issues such as the lack of formal contracts for 80% of journalists, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to safeguard press freedom and uphold journalistic integrity.
Sungura’s remarks cast a stark light on the plight of Tanzanian journalists, revealing that a staggering 80% of them lack formal contracts.
Citing a study by the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC), he highlighted that out of approximately 20,000 journalists and media workers, only 4,000 have contracts, leaving 16,000 working without formal employment agreements.
This troubling statistic underscores the precarious nature of journalism in Tanzania, where many reporters and media workers toil without the security of contracts or timely salaries.
“Journalism should be a profession that upholds truth and accountability, not one mired in economic uncertainty and exploitation,” Sungura asserted.
His impassioned plea for reform resonated with the audience, drawing attention to the urgent need for systemic changes to protect media workers and uphold the principles of press freedom.
Adding to the discourse, veteran journalist Tido Mhando criticized the current media landscape, emphasizing how tough legal and political conditions have driven media outlets to focus more on entertainment and sports at the expense of accountability journalism.
“The shift away from investigative reporting to lighter content is not just a commercial decision; it is a survival tactic in a hostile environment,” Mhando stated, urging for an environment where critical journalism can thrive without fear of retribution.
The forum also saw the presentation of a comprehensive report on the media sector by a special committee appointed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The report provided a thorough evaluation of the operational challenges and achievements of media outlets in Tanzania.
In response, President Samia assured that the government would address the media sector’s economic woes, including settling media debts by the end of the year. Her commitment to addressing these issues was met with cautious optimism, as stakeholders hoped for tangible improvements.
“We recognize the critical role that the media plays in our society and the need to ensure it operates freely and fairly,” President Samia said, reaffirming her administration’s dedication to upholding media freedom.
Her words were seen as a promising step towards restoring faith in the government’s commitment to press freedom and the socio-economic advancement of the media industry.
Some seasoned journalists at the Second Media Development Sector Forum held at Mlimani City in Dar es Salaam on June 18, 2024.Photo: Courtesy
However, the landscape remains complex and fraught with challenges. Salome Kitomari, chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa Tanzania (MISA-TAN), provided a nuanced perspective, acknowledging strides in press freedom while cautioning against overly celebratory narratives.
“The financial struggles of media outlets, heavily reliant on government advertisements, pose a risk to their independence,” Kitomari noted. Her remarks highlighted the delicate balance between financial sustainability and editorial independence, a dynamic that continues to challenge media houses in Tanzania.
The plight of employees at The Guardian Limited, who voiced their frustrations over unpaid salaries and discriminatory practices on Jamii Forum, was also a poignant reminder of systemic inequalities within the media sector.
Reports of underperformance and the preferential treatment of foreign nationals over local talent sparked indignation and calls for government intervention. These issues highlight the broader challenges of fairness and equity in the industry, exacerbated by economic hardships and arbitrary management decisions.
Ministers for Information, Nape Nnauye, and Deputy Premier, Doto Biteko, have pledged to address these economic challenges, signaling a commitment to revitalizing the media landscape.
However, the arbitrary termination of contracts for qualified Tanzanian employees based solely on salary considerations has perpetuated a culture of fear and uncertainty among media workers. Calls for regulatory oversight to safeguard the rights of media workers underscore the urgent need for fairness and transparency in the industry.
In this climate, stringent governmental regulations such as the Statistics Act and the Cybercrimes Act have cast a suffocating shadow over the free flow of information. These laws grant authorities sweeping powers to suppress online dissent and critique, further complicating the media environment.
The controversial removal of an opinion poll by Mwananchi Communications Limited, which revealed a 59% approval rating for the late President John Magufuli, underscored the precarious state of press freedom. Allegations of pressure to retract the poll highlighted the tight grip on public discourse within Tanzania’s political landscape.
Renowned senior lecturer Fr. Dr. Francis Xavier Ng’atigwa of Saint Augustine University provided a critical analysis of the media landscape, challenging prevailing assessments of press freedom. “True press freedom cannot be measured by the quantity of media outlets, but rather by the quality of their investigative journalism and critical analysis,” Ng’atigwa argued.
His remarks emphasized the need for a deeper commitment to investigative journalism, which remains scarce in Tanzania’s media ecosystem.
Despite these challenges, Tanzania’s media landscape remains vibrant, reflecting the nation’s cultural diversity and socio-political complexity.
With over 218 registered radios, including 42 community stations, and a plethora of newspapers, magazines, television stations, and online platforms, the media ecosystem offers a diverse array of voices and perspectives.
However, as Ng’atigwa pointed out, true press freedom requires more than just the proliferation of media outlets; it demands a commitment to quality journalism that serves the public interest.
Drawing parallels to historical examples from Zimbabwe and Uganda, Ng’atigwa underscored the impact of a few influential news outlets with robust ideas.
“The impact of media is not determined by the sheer number of outlets but by the quality and depth of their content,” he asserted, challenging reports that rank Tanzania higher in press freedom compared to other East African countries.
Renowned media consultant Ndimara Tegambwage echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to prevent a decline in press freedom reminiscent of Magufuli’s rule.
“Tanzania fell significantly in the World Press Freedom Index during Magufuli’s tenure, and while there have been improvements, significant challenges remain,” Tegambwage explained.
His call for continued vigilance and advocacy for press freedom underscored the ongoing struggles within the media sector.
Tanzania’s evolving media landscape grapples with financial constraints and regulatory pressures, emphasizing the paramount commitment to safeguarding media independence and upholding democratic principles.
The discussions and pledges made at the Media Development Sector Forum are steps in the right direction, but the journey towards genuine press freedom and a thriving media industry is far from over. The nation looks to its leaders, media practitioners, and civil society to champion the cause of a free and fair press, ensuring that the media continues to play its vital role in Tanzania’s development.
