Tanzania: New media policy: Draft proposals

New media policy: Draft proposals

1.0 INTRODUCTION.

1.1 The first Media Policy was adopted in 1994 to provide the overall objectives and strategies necessary to ensure sustainable development of the Media Industry in the country. Considerable achievements have been made under the Policy, for example, the establishment of the Media Council of Tanzania and of more than a dozen private daily newspapers, seven TV stations, 14 cable TV networks and more than ten radio stations.

1.2 Seven years on, there have been considerable changes on the political, economic and social fronts in Tanzania. These changes have given rise to efforts to expand the private sector, in tandem with the disengagement of the Government from the sole ownership and operations of news media. Policy changes have been inevitable, given the fact that the Government’s role is changing from that of being directly engaged in commercial activities, to that of regulation, promotion, facilitation and service provision.

1.3 This policy, therefore, is based on political, economic and social realities obtaining in Tanzania at this material time. The main goals of the 1994 policy, however, remain valid, including a number of the principal pillars of a charter the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere issues in 1970 to mark Government take over of the newspaper, The Standard.

1.4 The Standard later merged with The Nationalist, the daily newspaper owned by the ruling party, TANU, to from today’s Daily News.

1.5 Mwalimu’s Charter became Tanzania’s National Media Policy governing media development and practice for more than 20 years since 1970. Among other things, the Charter says:

1.6 The new “Standard” will give general support to the policies of the Tanzanian Government, but will be free to join in the debate for and against any particular proposals put forward for the consideration of the people, whether by Government, by Tanu, or other bodies.Further, it will be free to initiate discussions on any subject relevant to the development of a socialist and democratic society in Tanzania. It will be guided by the principle that free debate is an essential element of true socialism, and it will strive to encourage and maintain a high standard of socialist discussion,

1.7 The new “Standard” will be free to criticise any particular acts of individual Tanu or Government leaders, and to publicise any failures in the community, by whomever they are committed. It will be free to criticise the implementation of agreed policies, either on its own initiative, or following upon complaints or suggestions from its readers.

1.8 The new “Standard” will aim at supplying its readers with all domestic and world news as quickly and as fully as possible. It will be run on the basis that a newspaper only keeps the trust of its readers, and only deserves their trust, if it reports the truth to the best of its ability, and without distortion, whether that truth is pleasant or unpleasant.

1.9 The watchwords of the new socialist “Standard” of Tanzania will be: “The Socialist Equality and Dignity of Man”. It is in this spirit that it will seek to serve the citizens of this United Republic, without distinction on grounds of race, religion, sex or tribe.

1.10 In an attempt to shield the Managing Editor of The Standard from government ministerial or bureaucratic interference and thereby ensure the paper’s independence, the Charter directed that “The Standard Editor will be appointed by the President and will have full autonomy in the day-to-day operation of the newspaper… The Standard will receive any directives on editorial policy, on employment policies and on other matters only from the President of the United Republic to whom the Editor will be exclusively and directly responsible”.

1.11 In implementing the above policy directive, media heads of the 1970s held a number of seminars and workshops to chart out strategies and plans of action. Among the recommendations were:

(a) The Government should have its own school of journalism
(b) Tanzania should have a national news agency
(c) A media press council should be established.

1.12 In 1984, the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania was amended, and one of the articles recognizes information as a basic right of the citizen.18(1) Without prejudice to the laws of the land, every person has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and to seek, receive and impart or disseminate information and ideas, through any media regardless of national frontiers, and also has the right of freedom from interference with his communications.

1.13 Every citizen has the right to be informed at all times of various events in the country and in the world at large which are importance to the lives and activities of the people and also of issues of importance to society.

The later provision i.e. 18(2) makes media important social institutions, which should also be accountable to society.

1.13 Constitutional changes of 1992 allowed Tanzania to become a multi-party democratic state. Since this could only be achieved if there is free and independent media, some of the existing media laws had to be amended to curtail government monopoly. Similarly new laws were enacted to enable establishment of private media. The new media system called for a new media policy that would allow ownership and media practice to be governed by market forces and multi-partism. The Government, through then Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued such a policy in 1984. Among other provisions, the government allowed the industry to form a media council of its own. Broadcasting was also liberalized.

1.14 The 1994 policy however, had shortcomings

(a) The 1994 policy put emphasis on establishment procedures and control of the media by the government. But even then, not all media were included, notably news agencies and media training institutions.
If one wanted to establish any of them, then one had to resort to other procedures tenable under the companies’ Ordinance or the Vocational Training Authority (VETA), which fall under different ministries.

(b) The role and functions of the media in the country are not clearly defined. So, there are lingering perceptions that the media are there solely to achieve administration, cultural and business objectives. Information is not respected as a basic right stipulated in the Constitution. Some media owners do not even know the role of media in society. They embrace profit at the expense of society’s interests.

(c) In providing information, education and entertainment, the media are guided by social and professional ethics as administered by a media council. It is the duty of the media council to ensure that media practice in the country is governed by professionalism and nothing else. This role was not wellspelt out in the 1994 media policy.

1.15 Apart from the quality of the media services and products, this Policy defines the role of the media in a multi-party democracy and identifies the functions of media professionals.

1.16 This revised Media Policy is a result of the involvement of various stakeholders through a number of workshops conducted in up-country centres and Dar es Salaam. Opinions, observations, comments and inputs of individuals have also been sought. Moreover, from the outside, the whole exercise has taken into consideration the policy documents relevant government departments within the country and from other countries in the region.

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 SCOPE OF THE SECTOR

2.1 The media sector uses two information systems; traditional means of communication and modern mass media. The use of smoke, beagles, meetings, drums, whistles and others have continued to be valued means of social communication. Communal activities like crop auctions; market days, religious ceremonies, rituals and rites are important occasions to exchange information. Interpersonal communication and the sending of emissaries are other important ways we communicate. All these will for a long time continue to be our ways and channels of communication, and should therefore, where possible, be developed to enhance efficiency.

2.2 Modern media communications comprise the use of radio, television, newspapers, magazines, fliers, poster, video, film, books and the Internet. Efforts should be expended to make these media serve social interests, and hence the contents must of necessity reflect the Tanzanian society. The media industry is a reflection of the culture of Tanzania.

2.3 In the media industry there are individuals and organisations that serve the media in one way or another. These are the training institutions, news agencies, advertisers, the media council and production companies and individuals. The success and efficacy of the media sector depend on the quality of these service organisations and individuals.

2.4 The media sector is served by organisations of various kinds. They should always target people of a definite community or area. It is the responsibility of the owner to specify the scope of the service, whether it is global, national, regional, district; village or a specific community recognised under the law.

2.5 There is need therefore for a new media policy that will address the above issues clearly in view of the fast growing media sector. As stated before, the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania (1977) recognises the giving and receiving of information as a basic human right, at the same time it requires that media should give society the information it needs for its survival. The media are important social service institutions. Therefore, the Tanzania society is duty bound to formulate a media policy that is progressive and that which enables the media to fulfil their societal roles.

6 The objectives of this media policy are:

(a) To enable Tanzania to have pluralist media that are free, independent and socially responsible.
(b) To enhance democracy by having a society that is well informed given the quantity, quality and diverse views and opinions communicated through the various media.
( c) To facilitate Good governance in the country;
(d) To reinforce human rights
(e) To facilitate media services that will bridge the wide information gap existing between urban and rural societies.

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MEDIA.

3.1 The concept of media freedom has origins in societies that are democratic. Democratic systems recognise and believe that for the media to be able to fulfil their role well as expected, then they must be free and guided by ethics and performance standards that are followed. Above all the media are there to serve the interests of society; they are not there to serve individual interests.

3.2 In Tanzania everyone is free to receive and impart information as provided for in Article 18(1) of the constitution. The media on their part are obliged under Article 18(2) to serve the interests of society.

3.3 Media freedom is there when a social system gives media professionals complete freedom and power to publish or broadcast information for the benefit of that society without pressure, influence or otherwise from any leaders or persons of the government, political parties, business communities, religious organisations or any other organisations.In publishing any information, the media professional is guided solely by the Constitutions, the laws of the country and social and professional ethics as embraced by the industry under a media council.

3.4 In exercising this freedom, journalists shall be expected to uphold Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights made by the United Nations. Article10(2) of the Resolution of the 1950 council of Europe also recognises that.

“The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary”.

Media freedom, therefore, is nowhere completely unregulated. It is subject to certain well-known exceptions acknowledged in national security and public interest parameters.It is not an unfettered licence to broadcast, without a sense of responsibility, anything the media may like. It carries with it an obligation to so exercise this right that it does not harm the right of others, undercut the paramount interests of the State, or the welfare, peace and order of society. For absolute freedom begets anarchy which undermines an orderly democratic society.

3.5 Tanzania is undergoing profound changes in its economic, political and social systems. To assist the people to manage these changes, the media have a duty to give information that will enable the people to know and fight for their rights. The people have a right to be informed on issues discussed and decisions reached on the issues by the Central Government, parliament, local government or any other body where they are represented.

3.6 It will be the function to the media to:
(a) Provide information about events and conditions in society and the world.
(b) Explain, interpret and comment on the information and events.
(c) Indicate relations of power in society.
(d) Facilitate creativity and innovation in national development.
(e) Provide support for lawfully constituted authority.
(f) Transmit national culture and socialisation.
(g) Promote consensus building.
(h) Set the agenda on issues of national and social importance.
(i) Express the culture of the majority; at the same time respecting and recognising the cultures of the minority and new cultural developments.
(j) Campaign for societal objectives in the areas of health, peace, unity and other aspects of national survival.
Media freedom, therefore, is nowhere completely unregulated. It is subject to certain well-known exceptions acknowledged in national security and public interest parameters. It is not an unfettered licence to broadcast, without a sense of responsibility, anything the media may like. It carries with it an obligation to so exercise this right that it does not harm the right of others, undercut the paramount interests of the State, or the welfare, peace and order of society. For absolute freedom begets anarchy which undermines an orderly democratic society.

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 GOVERNMENT AND MEDIA.

4.1 Government has the following obligations:-

(a) To ensure that the basic right to receive and impart information as stipulated in the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania is maintained.
(b) To establish and manage any media with a view to facilitating communication between Government and its citizens and, other people of the world.
(c) To create a conducive environment in order to strengthen the media industry.

4.2 Through the Tanzania Information Services, to provide a link between Government and people, between ministries and public institutions and to co-ordinate implementation of media policy.

4.3 To publicise its activities and those of Public institutions by using the Tanzania information Services and the media, both public and private to make the public aware of Government activities.

4.4 The Director of the Tanzania Information Services shall be the principal spokesperson of the Government.

4.5 Information and pictorial records of Government and its leaders shall be kept at the Tanzania Information Services for public use.

4.6 In ministries, public institutions, regions and districts where the Tanzania Information Services does not have an office, a Government official shall be appointed to liase with the media.

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 MEDIA OWNERS

5.1 Every individual citizen, company, institution or co-operative organisation has a right to own any kind of medium of mass communication provided he or she abides by the country’s laws and regulations.

5.2 Owners and managers of media have duty to uphold the standards and codes of ethical conduct of the profession of journalism.

5.3 No person or association of persons shall be allowed to control more than one medium of mass communication of similar nature in one locality.

5.4 An owner of a medium of mass communication shall be allowed to publish or broadcast any article or programme from a foreign medium provided such an article or programme is of national interest.

5.5 Further an owner of a medium of mass communication shall be required to abide by the following principles:

(a). Respect the country’s laws, national values and codes of conduct
governing media practice.

(b) Uphold and the respect the rights of children and women, the disabled and
Disadvantaged groups.

(c). Put special emphasis in collecting and disseminating news about rural
areas in order to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas.

(d) Preserve information and documents for national interest.
(e) Provide adequate professional training for staff.
(f) Employ personnel with relevant qualifications and put in place a
system of personnel development.

(g) Ensure an attractive wage package for media personnel.
(h) Fight all forms of segregation in terms of race, tribe, sex, religion or age.

CHAPTER SIX

6.0 NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES.

6.1 Newspapers and magazines shall continue to be registered in accordance with the laws.

6.2 Newspapers and magazines are required to perform the following tasks:-

(a) Maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
(b) Abide by laws that govern national security, law and order and public
safety.
(c) Be guided by the principle of people’s right to know about matters of
relevance, use and importance to them.

CHAPTER SEVEN

7.0 NEWS AGENCIES.

7.1 News agencies shall be registered in accordance with the law.

7.2 Government or individual persons are allowed to establish and manage news agencies in the country for purposes of collecting and disseminating news and information nationally and internationally.

7.3 In the process of collecting and disseminating news and information, owners of news agencies shall take cognisance of laws and regulations that relate to their operations.

7.4 News agencies, in the process of collecting and disseminating news and information, may invest in other activities that deal with social communication to enable citizens and foreigners to have access to information about Tanzania that may be of interest to their wellbeing and the nation.

7.5 News Agencies shall perform the following tasks:-
(a) Collect and disseminate news and information and news in the country.
(b) Prepare articles of various events for clients.
(c) Report on events that take place daily.
(d) Write on international affairs with a Tanzania approach.
(e) Encourage maintenance of peace and national unity.
(f) Disseminate news and information depicting important event, setbacks and achievements.

7.6 News agencies in the country are expected to employ professionally qualifies journalists and media personnel with a sound understanding of their clients.

CHAPTER EIGHT

8.0 RADIO AND TELEVISION.

8.1 Radio and television shall be established in accordance with the law of the land.

8.2 Radio and television programmes shall observe national values and professionalism.

8.3 Airtime in radio and television shall be allocated equally to various political parties during election campaign period. During other times, programmes’ allocation shall be determined by news values.

8.4 National coverage by Radio and TV networks shall be allowed provided the network in question has the capability to do so.

8.5 In determining Radio and TV applications for national coverage, licensing authorities shall take into account the following needs and considerations:

(a) To check monopolistic tendencies by big broadcasting companies.
(b) To ensure an applicant has financial and technical capability to sustain broadcasting in a given area of coverage
(c) To encourage local radio and TV broadcasting stations to safeguard community interests.
(d) To encourage diversity of opinion by a variety of service providers at local, community, regional and national levels.
(e) To uphold national security, unity and integrity.
(f) To ensure at least 60 per cent of an applicant’s staff have both professional and technical skills and competence.

8.6 An individual person or company shall not be allowed to own more than one radio or television stations in one locality.

8.7 Central and Local Governments shall be encouraged to establish community radio and television broadcasting.

8.8 Ownership of radio and television stations shall be of four types:

· State or Government ownership.
· Public ownership.
· Private ownership.
· Community ownership.

CHAPTER NINE

9.0 FILMS AND VIDEO

9.1 Collection and dissemination of news and information by means of films, video and audio visual communication material shall be performed in accordance with the law of the land.

9.2 Owners and managers dealing with film, video and audio visual material shall avoid prejudicial references to a person’s religion, political affiliation colour, race, tribe, nationality, gender or sex. They shall also encourage the observance of national values, traditions, customs and culture.

9.3 Films, video and audio visual companies have the following obligations:-
(a) collaborate with artists with a view to developing their skills and thus
promote national culture.

(b) Endeavour to encourage the use of modern technology in teaching
methodology for primary, secondary and university education and training.
(c) Avoid depicting material dealing with violence, drug abuse and pornography.

CHAPTER TEN

10.0 EDUCATION AND TRAINING

10.1 Training is the basic right of journalists and media personnel and shall be aimed at the following areas:

(a) Update Professional skills of staff.
(b) Broaden staff knowledge regarding various social and community issues.
(c) Equip media personnel with the knowledge of using modern technological facilities.

10.2 A graduate-level journalism school shall be registered with the ministry responsible for higher education. The Ministry responsible for information and broadcasting shall register basic-level schools of journalism. The minimum course duration for basic journalism school shall be nine months of study.

10.3 A journalism school should be equipped with adequate and modern facilities for teaching of print and broadcast media.

10.4 Schools of Journalism shall place emphasis on the following areas:-

(a) Teaching of social sciences and emphasising on subject specialisation for
trainees to prepare them for the task ahead of them as media practitioners.

(b) Conduct research on issues dealing with social communication and the
media industry in the country.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

11.0 MEDIA COUNCIL OF TANZANIA.

11.1 The Media industry shall take cognizance of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) which has been established with the aim of promoting and strengthening the bond of trust, confidence and respect between Tanzania journalists and the media, the Tanzanian people and Government.

11.2 The Media Council in collaboration with other relevant authorities shall ensure that members of the media maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.

11.3 The Media council shall also deal with the following:
(a) Safeguard the freedom of the media.
(b) Maintain and raise professional standards and ensure the wellbeing of those in the media profession.

CHAPTER TWELVE

12.0 MEDIA ASSOCIATIONS

12.1 Journalist and media staff associations shall continue to be registered in accordance with the law and regulations of the land. Such media associations include the Tanzania Journalists Association(TAJA), Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA), Association of Journalists and Media Workers (AJM) and Journalist Environmental Association of Tanzania (JET) and other associations with special bearing on science and technology, economy, business, finance, politics, tourism etc.

12.2 Media associations have the following major tasks to perform:-
(a) Capacity building for their members in their respective professions by way
of meetings, seminars, and workshops.
(b) Sensitise the public on the role of the media and the right of the public to have access to information about their country and the world.
(c) Co-operate with other media associations of similar nature for the benefit of their members.
(d) Co-operate with local organisations in setting up a conducive environment for media association members to work in harmony with the public.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

13.0 CONCLUSION

13.1 The decision to revise the Tanzania Media Policy is aimed at revamping the Information Sector by giving it a better legal and administrative status. This is a result of the continuing changes in the political, economic and technological areas that are taking place in Tanzania.

13.2 This media Policy gives broad guidelines to assist Tanzanians and others to understand the information and broadcasting industry in the country with a view to enabling them to be kept informed of developments in the country and in the world.