SECTOR 1 Panellists were unanimous that “anyone can become a journalist”, regardless of their qualifications, and depending on the procedures of each media house. Some media outlets, however, do have strict hiring procedures. Newspapers are known to commission inexperienced people to write for them in remote areas where there are no other options, while even urban-based newspapers hire unqualified journalists, usually on a freelance, not a permanent, basis, “because they can pay them less”. “Many people have no experience as journalists, but even they manage to get a press card just so they can get the ‘brown envelopes’ (cash handed out to journalists at press briefings).” Restrictions in this regard are coming, however. The draft Media Services Act, which has not yet been passed by parliament, for example, stipulates that journalists will have to be accredited under the Act in order to practise and such accreditation will be carried out by the statutory Media Services Council, which is not yet in operation. Section 15 establishes a journalist accreditation board which shall consist of seven members appointed by the minister. The Chief Executive Officer of this board shall also be appointed by the minister. This composition makes sure that the majority on the board will always be government representatives. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 1.8 (2012 = n/a; 2010 = n/a; 2008 = n/a; 2006 = n/a) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Tanzania 2015 17