Visiting International Press Institute Mission Commend Tanzania on Commitment to Improve Media Sector
By Special Correspondent, Dar Salaam
MEDIA experts from the visiting International Press Institute (IPI) have commended the move by the Fifth-Phase Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to improve Journalism as a pivotal profession in the country.
Indeed, the Tanzania President, His Excellency Dr. John Pombe Magufuli (popular simply as ‘JPM’) is generally acknowledged to be an engineer of press freedom in the East African nation.
Two new laws guaranteeing media practice and access to information came into force in 2016, following Dr. Magufuli’s formal inauguration in the highest Office of the land in November 5, 2015.
Data show that Tanzania is today home to some 226 registered newspapers, 160 radio broadcasting stations and 36 television broadcasting stations spread across the sprawling land – thus making Tanzania high in the media concentration and diversity rankings in the region and the African Continent.
Speaking at a meeting with mass media representatives in Dar es Salaam City on Thursday, the IPI Vice Chairman, Ms. Khadija Patel from South Africa – who led the delegation of six people from different countries to visit Tanzania– commended the steps that had been taken by Tanzania in improving mass media activities.
This came after she had dialogued with various Government officials and Parliament in the country.
“We are pleased with the Government of Tanzania for taking appropriate measures to improve the quality of the media industry. We have met a number of leaders, and we are grateful that they listened to us. Indeed, we are pleased that we were able to agree with them, and appreciate the work being done by the Government and Media stakeholders in the country,” Ms. Patel bubbled in sheer ecstacy.
For his part, the Head of the DW Media Academy from Germany – who is a veteran Journalist too – Mr. Carsten von Nahman, expressed joy at the Government of Tanzania for facilitating the dialogue on the improvement of the media industry.
Noting that the move is a very good one, Mr. Nahman stressed that it will go a long way in helping Journalists to improve their performance, instead of always complaining by either side regarding mass media performance.
“We are pleased with the Government's response to the Media Partners in the exchange of ideas for further focus on building this sector.
Notwithstanding, it became clear in the meetings which we had with Government officials that there still are issues of quality and ethics for Journalists, whuch seems to be ignored in this country.
"Concerted dialogue will improve the performance and working environment of journalists,” Nahman stated.
The Deputy IPI Director, Mr. Scott Griffen, made it clear that the Government of Tanzania has shown willingness to negotiate with the mass media fraternity so as to improve the industry.
In this regard, he counselled media industry players to fully prepare themselves in readiness to effectively implement their duties and obligations as a matter of course.
In the event, the Chairman of the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF), Mr. Deodatus Balile, took the opportunity to exhort Journalists to carry out their work ethically and professionally so as to showcase the mass media industry in good light.
“While in Tanzania the IPI delegation met with the Prime Minister, (Mr. Kassim Majaliwa), the Speaker of Parliament (Mr Job Yustino Ndugai), the Minister for Information (Dr.. Harrison Mwakyembe), the Chief Government Spokesperson (Dr. Hassan Abbas) and some Members of Parliament,, all complained about shrinking joutnalism guality” Mr. Balile said, stressing the need “to work harder to improve our (Journalism) standards.”
In that regard, the TEF Chairman urged Journalists to sharpen up their skills, revealing that the International Press Institute is able, willing and ready to assist journalists to increase their level of education through various training programmes, and sharing experiences within and outside the country.
Ends...
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By Special Correspondent, Dar Salaam
MEDIA experts from the visiting International Press Institute (IPI) have commended the move by the Fifth-Phase Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to improve Journalism as a pivotal profession in the country.
Indeed, the Tanzania President, His Excellency Dr. John Pombe Magufuli (popular simply as ‘JPM’) is generally acknowledged to be an engineer of press freedom in the East African nation.
Two new laws guaranteeing media practice and access to information came into force in 2016, following Dr. Magufuli’s formal inauguration in the highest Office of the land in November 5, 2015.
Data show that Tanzania is today home to some 226 registered newspapers, 160 radio broadcasting stations and 36 television broadcasting stations spread across the sprawling land – thus making Tanzania high in the media concentration and diversity rankings in the region and the African Continent.
Speaking at a meeting with mass media representatives in Dar es Salaam City on Thursday, the IPI Vice Chairman, Ms. Khadija Patel from South Africa – who led the delegation of six people from different countries to visit Tanzania– commended the steps that had been taken by Tanzania in improving mass media activities.
This came after she had dialogued with various Government officials and Parliament in the country.
“We are pleased with the Government of Tanzania for taking appropriate measures to improve the quality of the media industry. We have met a number of leaders, and we are grateful that they listened to us. Indeed, we are pleased that we were able to agree with them, and appreciate the work being done by the Government and Media stakeholders in the country,” Ms. Patel bubbled in sheer ecstacy.
For his part, the Head of the DW Media Academy from Germany – who is a veteran Journalist too – Mr. Carsten von Nahman, expressed joy at the Government of Tanzania for facilitating the dialogue on the improvement of the media industry.
Noting that the move is a very good one, Mr. Nahman stressed that it will go a long way in helping Journalists to improve their performance, instead of always complaining by either side regarding mass media performance.
“We are pleased with the Government's response to the Media Partners in the exchange of ideas for further focus on building this sector.
Notwithstanding, it became clear in the meetings which we had with Government officials that there still are issues of quality and ethics for Journalists, whuch seems to be ignored in this country.
"Concerted dialogue will improve the performance and working environment of journalists,” Nahman stated.
The Deputy IPI Director, Mr. Scott Griffen, made it clear that the Government of Tanzania has shown willingness to negotiate with the mass media fraternity so as to improve the industry.
In this regard, he counselled media industry players to fully prepare themselves in readiness to effectively implement their duties and obligations as a matter of course.
In the event, the Chairman of the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF), Mr. Deodatus Balile, took the opportunity to exhort Journalists to carry out their work ethically and professionally so as to showcase the mass media industry in good light.
“While in Tanzania the IPI delegation met with the Prime Minister, (Mr. Kassim Majaliwa), the Speaker of Parliament (Mr Job Yustino Ndugai), the Minister for Information (Dr.. Harrison Mwakyembe), the Chief Government Spokesperson (Dr. Hassan Abbas) and some Members of Parliament,, all complained about shrinking joutnalism guality” Mr. Balile said, stressing the need “to work harder to improve our (Journalism) standards.”
In that regard, the TEF Chairman urged Journalists to sharpen up their skills, revealing that the International Press Institute is able, willing and ready to assist journalists to increase their level of education through various training programmes, and sharing experiences within and outside the country.
Ends...
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