Tanzania Wajua’ allegedly used vulgar and offensive language during ‘family time’, i.e. daytime, while knowing that it was contrary to the Broadcasting Services (Contents) Regulations, 2005. As a result the radio management was fined Tshs 5million (USD 2250) for the mishap. There was an onslaught against the media throughout 2017 in the form of warnings and suspensions, most of which fell under the 2016 Media Services Act. Several months later, during its renowned afternoon programme XXL, a presenter recorded and aired an audio recording of an off the record conversation with the mother of a prominent model, Hamisa Mobbeto and himself without the mother’s consent. The radio station was fined Tshs 2 million (USD 900) In the same month during its Jahazi programme on the Mastori ya Tow’ segment, a Clouds FM presenter, Ephraim Kibonde, discussed personal (sexual) relationships between prominent artist, Diamond Platnumz and well-known model, Hamisa Mobbeto. The manner in which this was discussed violated the Content Act of 2005 which stipulates that every licensee shall ensure that the programme and its presentation uphold national values. Subsequently, the TCRA ordered the radio station to pay Tshs 5 million (USD 2250). The TCRA ordered Clouds Media Group to pay a total fine of Tshs 12 million (USD 5400) for contravening broadcast regulations. 2017 also saw the drafting of new broadcast regulations. By the end of the year there were about 26 licensed TV stations and 123 licensed radio stations. ACCESS TO INFORMATION Access to quality and timely information by everyone, and most importantly to the rural population, is crucial in facilitating informed dialogue, monitoring and evaluation of development issues at the local level and to enhance governance and accountability for improved delivery of services and implementation of projects. Society’s access and right to information on government budgets and accounts, particularly at local level, is often considered a necessary condition for good governance. Without basic information on public revenues and expenditures people cannot hold their elected leaders and executive officers to account. Studies on access to information conducted in 2017 showed that there was an improvement in service delivery and access to information in some of the public offices, especially in the local government as opposed to central government. However, it was found that the culture of secrecy is still embedded in public officials, especially in the central government. So This is Democracy? 2017 111