2.5

Community broadcasting enjoys special promotion given its potential
to broaden access by poor and rural communities.

ANALYSIS:
There are no special concessions by law given to community radio stations. There seems to
be some confusion in determining what community radio stations are. At times even radio/TV
stations owned by local government authorities are considered to be community radio. The
African Charter on Broadcasting is an instrument that provides guidance to defining what is
commercial, public and community broadcasting. The general description would entail geographic location, language and interest. Most often community radios have a social agenda. In
Tanzania, radio stations are allowed to broadcast only in Kiswahili and English for the sake of
maintaining national unity and cohesion. Although vernacular languages are disappearing, it
seems to be the stand of the Government to let them disappear at the expense of strengthening
national unity.
In Zanzibar, the Government is hesitant to allow for the establishment of a community radio
station in Micheweni, Pemba where there will be established a Millennium village.
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

2.6

1, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 3, 2, 1
1.8
(2006= 2.7)

The editorial independence of print media published by a public
authority is protected adequately against undue political interference.

ANALYSIS:
There is limited editorial independence and self censorship in print media published by a public
authority. This may be because the Managing Director is appointed by the President, and the
Chairperson of the Board of Directors is appointed by the by the Minister. It is difficult under
the circumstances to be critical of Government.
The panelists noted censorship as such is not practiced and the Boards would not interfere
directly on editorial content but it is assumed that the Managing Editor and the journalists in
the newspapers are aware of their boundaries and alliances. It was felt however, that in the
public media at least those boundaries are clearer than in private media where the owner, the
spouse, children and friends may even influence editorial content without qualms. Security of
employment is also shaky.
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

So This Is Democracy? 2008

1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 2, 2
1.9
(2006= 1.6)

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Media Institute of Southern Africa

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