Tanzania takes daring steps to revitalize media sector
DAR ES SALAAM: The speedy development of know-how has been recognized as one of many main challenges going through Tanzania’s media trade, prompting the federal government to provoke reforms aimed toward enabling the sector to adapt to those modifications.
The reforms search to reinforce funding alternatives, modernize operations, and promote media freedom.
Addressing a stakeholders’ assembly held in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, the Minister of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi, underscored the necessity for coverage enhancements to foster optimistic modifications within the sector.
“There have been major technological changes requiring substantial investment globally. According to the current policy, a foreign investor can own up to 49 percent of media shares. I assure you that my ministry, in collaboration with stakeholders, will oversee comprehensive improvements to this policy. Our aim is to establish better laws that enhance media freedom and create a conducive environment for investment, aligning with the current needs for greater investment,” Prof. Kabudi stated throughout his first engagement since assuming workplace.
He added that the federal government is reviewing the outdated 2003 Media and Broadcasting Policy, emphasizing the significance of guaranteeing that the amendments mirror at present’s technological realities.
“My ministry will expedite the policy reforms by engaging stakeholders to ensure that the media and broadcasting sectors are governed by policies relevant to current needs,” he added.
Prof. Kabudi additionally referred to as on media shops to adapt to the evolving digital panorama by rethinking methods and embracing innovation.
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He famous that many media platforms are shifting to on-line operations, emphasizing the necessity to stay aggressive within the digital period.
Additionally, he urged media practitioners to undertake and implement the sixth-phase authorities’s “4Rs” philosophy, which advocates reconciliation, resilience, reforms, and outcomes.
“If there are people who have a significant role in advancing these 4Rs, which build the spirit of Tanzania, it is the media. The government is ready to live by the 4Rs with the media. Let us reconcile, be tolerant, and bring about reforms in our media institutions so that Tanzania can move forward,” he famous.
He emphasised the necessity for media shops to place themselves as companions of the federal government moderately than rivals, stating: “This ministry is tasked with protecting the nation’s heart—its unity, values, and identity. Media institutions must be at the forefront of promoting Tanzania’s uniqueness and pride.”
On his half, the Permanent Secretary and Government Spokesperson Mr Gerson Msigwa, highlighted the significance of continued collaboration between the federal government and the media.
“I was looking at people’s opinions when the President saw fit to extend my role as Government Spokesperson and merge the Information Department with the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports. I saw what I saw, but I want to tell you here that the credit goes to you for the cooperation you’ve given me. Our success will be our shared joy, and our failure will be our shared disappointment. I urge us to choose success.”
He inspired journalists attending authorities press briefings to actively interact and ask questions, assuring them of the federal government’s dedication to transparency and accountability.
“In our current practice, journalists are given the opportunity to ask questions. We deliberately included a phone number so citizens can also call in with questions because every question has an answer within the government. So, there is no reason to fear questions, whether from journalists, citizens, or editors. I will provide answers,” he stated.
