Roving Journalist
JF Roving Journalist
- Apr 18, 2017
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By Kai Dambach
Under a new law, reporters in Tanzania will face stricter controls and media outlets would need permission to broadcast foreign content. DW has warned against "a worrying trend towards restrictions on press freedom."
The Tanzanian government has formally banned all local media outlets from broadcasting foreign content without official permission.
Foreign media working with local journalists will have to be accompanied by a government official throughout the duration of their reporting.
The changes will affect partner broadcasters of several international media outlets, including DW.
"This is a clumsy attempt to suppress critical voices before the elections in Tanzania," said DW chief Peter Limbourg, warning that it was hard to counter "this far-reaching form of state censorship."
"We support our partner broadcasters in Tanzania and together we will find ways to keep the population well informed, for example through the increased use of social media," Limbourg added.
Later, a representative of Tanzanian regulatory body TCRA downplayed the move, saying that the authorties "have not banned any foreign media outlets" from broadcasting the through the local stations.
"What has been directed through that new regulation is to ensure that the agreements between our local broadcasting stations and foreign media outlets are submitted to the authority within seven days. So that we can keep records which will be a reference document of the agreement made by the two parts," TCRA's Andrew Kisaka told DW. "That is all."
Tanzania announces new, tough rules for foreign press | DW | 11.08.2020
Under a new law, reporters in Tanzania will face stricter controls and media outlets would need permission to broadcast foreign content. DW has warned against "a worrying trend towards restrictions on press freedom."
The Tanzanian government has formally banned all local media outlets from broadcasting foreign content without official permission.
Foreign media working with local journalists will have to be accompanied by a government official throughout the duration of their reporting.
The changes will affect partner broadcasters of several international media outlets, including DW.
"This is a clumsy attempt to suppress critical voices before the elections in Tanzania," said DW chief Peter Limbourg, warning that it was hard to counter "this far-reaching form of state censorship."
"We support our partner broadcasters in Tanzania and together we will find ways to keep the population well informed, for example through the increased use of social media," Limbourg added.
Later, a representative of Tanzanian regulatory body TCRA downplayed the move, saying that the authorties "have not banned any foreign media outlets" from broadcasting the through the local stations.
"What has been directed through that new regulation is to ensure that the agreements between our local broadcasting stations and foreign media outlets are submitted to the authority within seven days. So that we can keep records which will be a reference document of the agreement made by the two parts," TCRA's Andrew Kisaka told DW. "That is all."
Tanzania announces new, tough rules for foreign press | DW | 11.08.2020
