Sector 2: The media landscape is characterised by diversity, independence and sustainability. 2.1 A wide range of sources of information (print, broadcasting, Internet) is available and affordable to citizens. ANALYSIS: The media landscape in Tanzania is the most vibrant in the region with a wide variety of dailies (18) and weekly newspapers (41), television and radio stations. However, most of the media outlets are urban based and rural populations have very limited access to the media with the exception of radio. Circulation of newspapers is still low and there are difficulties in the distribution of newspapers in rural areas. Also the high level of illiteracy contributes to limited access to newspapers. The low purchasing power of the people means that not many people can afford to purchase newspapers, radio or TV sets. Also to consider is that electricity covers less than 10 per cent of the country and as such access to Television and internet is very limited. It was noted that women’s access to the media is even more limited than men due to economic and socio-cultural barriers. In Zanzibar where community watching of television has been practised for a long time, women still do not have access to such forums. The panellists noted that mobile phones are emerging as an important medium of mass communication and issues surrounding the mobile phone as an emerging media need to be further explored. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.2 2, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 3, 2, 3 2.8 (2006= 2.9) Citizens’ access to domestic and international media sources is not restricted by state authorities. ANALYSIS: There are no restrictions for citizens to access domestic and international media sources. The Government allows foreign media to operate in the country. For example international broadcasting stations such as BBC, Deustchwelle, CCTV, CNN are all easily available through local channels. The inhibiting factors to access domestic as well as international news is based on lack of purchasing power, the fact that most media houses are urban oriented, there are very few media houses operating from the regions, and community media is almost non-existent. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: So This Is Democracy? 2008 4, 3, 2, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 4 4.1 (2006=3.1) -230- Media Institute of Southern Africa