The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has observed an increase in the effectiveness of its initiatives aimed at promoting professionalism in the broadcasting sector.
This was highlighted during a seminar for media stakeholders from radio stations and broadcasters in the Northern region, aimed at reminding them of the importance of adhering to broadcasting license laws and regulations.
John Daffa, the Director of Licensing and Monitoring at TCRA, stated, “The purpose of this seminar is to remind stakeholders of their responsibilities and to gather their feedback, ensuring that the media sector upholds professionalism to maintain peace in the nation.”
He further emphasized the impact of these seminars, saying, “These seminars have proven beneficial in helping stakeholders self-evaluate and produce balanced reports, eliminating bias that leads to hatred and disruptions of peace.”
Daffa urged journalists to adhere to the principles of journalism to prevent the country from descending into unproductive political turmoil, especially as the nation approaches local government elections and the general elections in 2025.
Engineer, Francis Mihayo, the TCRA Manager for the Northern Zone, noted that the seminar aimed to remind participants about the legal, regulatory, and ethical standards of broadcasting.
He stated, “We have identified violations of broadcasting ethics, particularly regarding content disseminated online.”
He also emphasized the need for awareness regarding election-related broadcasting regulations, urging, “It is crucial to understand the guidelines for balanced reporting during the upcoming elections.”
He warned, “What has started to emerge is that individuals are broadcasting misleading content and using inappropriate language, contrary to the conditions of their broadcasting licenses.”
He concluded by stating that TCRA would take serious legal action against those who violate their licensing terms.
Betty Mkwasa, a member of the TCRA Content Committee, raised concerns about the erosion of ethics among journalists, contrasting the current situation with past standards.
“There has been a significant decline in the moral integrity of journalists compared to when we ensured balanced reporting,” she said.
She highlighted the challenges posed by unqualified broadcasters, stating, “Currently, there are broadcasters spreading falsehoods and failing to adhere to standards, using media to defame individuals. This is unacceptable, even if the goal is to gain viewers; one must respect the rights of others.”
Mkwasa urged stakeholders to protect the integrity of the media at all costs to prevent the profession from being compromised by misinformation.
She also called for journalists to dress appropriately for their work environments, noting, “It is essential to avoid appearing unprofessional.”
Saida Mukhi, another committee member, encouraged journalists to focus on writing that promotes societal development.
She observed, “Many journalists are now more concerned with gaining followers rather than producing comprehensive stories, leading to significant repercussions as they deny the accused a chance to respond.”
Lulu George, a journalist from Tanga, commented on the decline in investigative rigor among reporters. “Journalists have become lazy in conducting research compared to years past,” she stated.
MC Msilu from Manyara also emphasized the importance of ethical standards, urging journalists to avoid accepting gifts from politicians that could compromise their impartiality.
The seminar concluded with a collective commitment from participants to uphold the highest standards of journalism to enhance the integrity of the media sector.
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