3.3 There are no laws restricting freedom of expression such as excessive official secret or libel acts, or laws that unreasonably interfere with the responsibilities of media. ANALYSIS: There are about 27 laws that restrict access to information, freedom of expression and of the media that need to be reviewed, amended or repealed (See Appendix 1). It was also noted that the culture of secrecy in the Civil Service makes it difficult to access even the most mundane information which should in actual fact be in the public domain and would not in any way pose a threat to national security or defense. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3.4 2, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 1.7 (2006= 1.6) Entry into and practice of the journalistic profession is legally unrestricted ANALYSIS: Currently, journalism practice remains legally unrestricted and any person can practice journalism. As such the profession has been “invaded” by people who have no training in journalism and this has contributed to the falling standards of the profession. The panel was of the opinion that there is a need to have a national debate on the question of who is a journalist and whether journalism is a trade or a profession. The outcome of such a debate would determine whether there is a need for restrictions as to who should practice journalism. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3.5 4, 2, 5, 1, 2, 5, 1, 1, 2 2.5 (2006= 2.4) Protection of confidential sources of information is guaranteed by law. ANALYSIS: Currently there is no law for the protection of sources of information. The Government’s proposed Freedom of Information Bill and the Stakeholders recommendations of the same bill are in agreement on the need of protecting sources. The Code of Ethics for Media Professionals enforced by the Media Council of Tanzania enjoins managers and editors not to disclose sources of information given in confidence. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: So This Is Democracy? 2008 4, 1, 5, 1, 1, 4, 2, 2, 1 2.3 (2006= 1.6) -228- Media Institute of Southern Africa