CHALLENGES Upholding media ethics Ethical issues such as reporting of unsubstantiated rumours, sensationalism, stereotyping etc were once a highlight in the media sector in 2016. The challenges for the media result from having poorly trained journalists or corrupt editors on staff, a legal regime in place that enforces self-censorship, and the weak economic conditions many outlets operate under. Most media are poorly financed and do not pay staff well or promptly, leading to what is commonly referred to as the “brown envelope syndrome”, where media practitioners accept freebies from sources resulting in biased stories. Critics propose training, both long term and short courses (classroom and inhouse) and refresher courses, ensuring the adherence to the basic tenets of professional journalism standards. Lack of unity among the media practitioners and stakeholders has been a great setback for achieving progressive media and related laws in Tanzania. Efforts to collaborate on policy formulation was acrimonious to the point that Nape Nnauye, the Minister of Information at the time, taunted the media by asking them to take over in leading the process and not leaving to the activists. In looking ahead, it is clear that awareness training on the contents of the new media laws and its regulations is imperative if journalists are to survive and avoid jail terms and hefty fines in 2017. This is so because struggle for a free, professional and independent media in Tanzania has yet to be bear tangible fruits. Success on this depends solely 106 So This is Democracy? 2016 on the promptness and capability of the media to adequately develop of journalists. Since 2016 highlighted the growing of mistrust between the Parliamentarians and the media, it is important for the media to enhance their professional and ethical reporting skills. More so, because politicians continue to suppress media freedom under the guise that they are curtailing “irresponsible journalism”. They also continuously castigate the media on unbalanced or biased media coverage. MPs complained that “they have been hurt by the media”. Observers believe that this could be one of the contributing factors to the passing of the unfavourable media laws by the lawmakers. During several encounters between the two parties at the Parliament grounds, MPs would be heard complaining that “they have been hurt by the media”. Perhaps this was one way of getting back at them despite the fact that MPs tend to use the media on their way up when they are vying for political posts). Zimbabwe National Overview 2016 by MISA Zimbabwe