TCRA Conference Highlights Tanzania’s Media Landscape Amid Press Freedom Concerns

By Adonis Byemelwa

Shinyanga: In a groundbreaking move for Tanzania's media realm, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) spearheaded a pivotal conference on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in Shinyanga. Led by TCRA's Lake Zone Manager, Engineer Imelda Salum, the event provided a platform for journalists to tackle critical issues in the country's communication sector, from media ethics to election broadcasting regulations and the urgency of embracing a digital economy.

In her address, Engineer Imelda Salum highlighted Tanzania's remarkable progress in the communications sector, noting the substantial increase in mobile lines and internet users. She remarked, "With over 70 million registered mobile lines and nearly 36 million internet users by December 2023, Tanzania stands at the forefront of the digital revolution sweeping the continent." This statement highlights the transformative potential of digital technology in driving economic growth and societal development.

However, Engineer Imelda also stressed the importance of responsible digital citizenship amidst these advancements. She urged Tanzanians to utilize digital services for economic empowerment while exercising caution on social media platforms. "We need to harness digital services for economic growth, but it's equally important to exercise caution, especially on social media," she emphasized.

Addressing the concerning rise in online crime, Engineer Imelda urged victims to report incidents to the police rather than TCRA. She stated, "Reporting online crime to the police allows for a collaborative approach between TCRA and law enforcement agencies, demonstrating the government's commitment to combating cybercrime and ensuring a safe online environment for all citizens."

Greyson Kakuru, the Shinyanga Regional Journalists Club Chairman commended TCRA for organizing the informative workshop, recognizing its role in enhancing communication services. He remarked, "The workshop organized by TCRA is a testament to their commitment to improving communication services. It provides journalists with valuable insights and resources to uphold ethical standards and promote responsible reporting."

Facilitator Edwin Soko echoed Kakuru's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of journalistic ethics in the context of upcoming elections. He urged journalists to safeguard their integrity and uphold ethical standards, stating, "Journalists play a crucial role in informing the public, especially during elections. We must adhere to ethical standards and ensure balanced and impartial reporting."

Robin Albert Ulikaye, TCRA's Communication Officer, emphasized the significance of adhering to election broadcasting regulations. He stressed the importance of balanced and impartial reporting during electoral periods, stating, "As Tanzania prepares for local government elections later this year and general elections next year, journalists must adhere to broadcasting regulations to ensure fair and transparent coverage."

While the TCRA conference highlighted the strides made in Tanzania's communication sector, it also brought to the fore the challenges posed by restrictive media laws. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International recently sounded the alarm over Tanzania's crackdown on media freedom, citing a slew of laws aimed at stifling dissent and silencing critics.

Since President John Magufuli's election in 2015, Tanzania has witnessed a steady erosion of press freedom, with at least five laws targeting journalists, bloggers, civil society organizations, and opposition figures. The Media Services Act of 2016 grants the government sweeping powers to censor the media and curtail independent journalism, leading to the suspension of several newspapers and the closure of radio stations and online platforms deemed critical of the government.

The Cybercrimes Act of 2015 has been weaponized to suppress online expression, resulting in prosecutions for social media posts critical of the government. Similarly, the Statistics Act of 2015, until its amendment in 2019, restricted the publication of independent research contradicting official statistics, effectively criminalizing dissenting narratives.

The Electronic and Postal Communication Act of 2018 imposes exorbitant licensing fees on bloggers and website owners, stifling online expression and limiting access to information. Recent regulations requiring NGOs to disclose funding sources and activities have further tightened the government's grip on civil society.

As Tanzania grapples with these challenges, the TCRA conference serves as a timely reminder of the importance of upholding press freedom and fostering a vibrant media landscape conducive to informed public discourse. With elections on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever, highlighting the need for a free and independent media to hold those in power accountable and ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.

As the conference concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose, empowered to navigate the complex terrain of media regulations while upholding the principles of journalistic integrity and transparency. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but with a united commitment to press freedom, Tanzania's media can continue to serve as a beacon of democracy and accountability in the years to come.