It was noted however that there is a proposal to change the Board setup and also advertise the management posts. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3.6 2, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 1, 1 1.7 (2006= 1.5) Persons who have vested interests of a political or commercial nature are excluded from possible membership in the board, i.e. office bearers with the state and political parties as well as those with a financial interest in the broadcasting industry. ANALYSIS: They are not excluded. The Board consists of Government officials, a Member of Parliament and a former media owner who now works for Government. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3.7. 2, 2, 4, 3, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1 1.9 (2006= 1.3) The editorial independence of the public broadcaster from commercial pressure and political influence is guaranteed by law and practice. ANALYSIS: The principle of keeping a distance from vested interests is almost impossible to apply in the Tanzanian situation. TBC is still essentially a civil service department whose rules, procedures and appointments are determined by the government. There is no legal provision guaranteeing its independence, or subjecting it to a public accountability body. The current practice of the broadcaster depends on the boldness of the Director General. TBC is funded through the ministry’s budget allocations and advertising revenue. On the one hand, it must maintain the friendship and expectations of the government in power; while on the other hand it must ensure that it does not offend the interests of its commercial clients. Both the radio and television sell airtime. It is doubtful that such a funding mechanism can guarantee the editorial independence of TBC. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3.8. 2, 2, 4, 3, 2, 2, 3, 1, 3 2.4 (2006= 1.3) The public broadcaster is adequately funded in a manner that protects it from arbitrary interference with its budget. ANALYSIS: As stated above TBC is funded through the ministry’s budget allocations and advertising revenue. It must balance the act of maintaining the friendship and expectations of the government So This Is Democracy? 2008 -238- Media Institute of Southern Africa