SECTOR 1 In late 2012, two journalists were murdered, allegedly in connection with their work. Also, in July 2012, the government, invoking the 1976 Newspaper Act, imposed an indefinite ban on the Kiswahili MwanaHalisi, a daily newspaper known for its investigative and analytical reporting. The reasons given by the state were that the newspaper had published articles, without specifying which articles, that were “seditious, inciting, promoted violence and were likely to jeopardize peace in the country”. In addition, Mwananchi and Mtanzania newspapers were suspended from operating by the government in September 2013, for two weeks and 90 days respectively, for publishing articles deemed “seditious” and a threat to national security. As such, panellists felt “citizens in general have some fears about expressing themselves” when it comes to criticism of the state or other powerful interests. Private and community media journalists, as well as those working for media outlets owned by the state, face high risks for criticising President Jakaya Kikwete, the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) or the government. Not surprisingly, there is little such criticism in Tanzanian media. “Editors are sometimes forced to collude with politicians to guarantee their safety.” Journalists working for private media houses also feel restricted in their freedom of expression by the business interests of the owners or their wives or other family members. “They are always aware of the owner’s interest and this leads to self-censorship… They feel they need to be loyal to their bosses or they may lose their job. The fear is definitely there… We express ourselves very carefully in Tanzania.” One of the panellists felt that despite the violence and intimidation experienced by some journalists and members of civil society, “the situation is better than it was 15 years ago when citizens could not express themselves at all”. But others felt that, while it may seem to be an improvement on the surface, there is a deep underlying fear. “The government wants you to report on what is seen, not what is under the carpet. If you try to bring this to light, you are done for, blacklisted.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Tanzania 2015 15