SECTOR 2 “Tanzanian society is very conservative. Because the law prohibits homosexuality, we can’t write about it or we would be seen to be promoting it… The government is really focussed on looking good for the donors, so the homosexuality issue is hushed up. It exists, but no one talks about it. If we did, it would put the country in a bad light and there would be funding repercussions.” An example was given in which a newspaper article about homosexuality was withdrawn by the editor-in-chief at the last minute for reasons of “morals and to safeguard the interests of society”. “The systematic suppression of issues related to sexual minorities is because homosexuality is considered morally unacceptable in Tanzania. Because there is no discussion about it, there is no understanding.” In terms of religion, panellists described the tensions between Christians and Muslims in the country as a “ticking time-bomb”. “The Muslim agenda wasn’t taken up at independence. This simmering tension is not discussed but it exists.” 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: 3.0 (2012 = 2.8; 2010 = 2.6; 2008 = n/a; 2006 = n/a) 2.9 Media cover the full spectrum of economic, cultural, political, social, national and local perspectives and conduct investigative stories. While there are many players in the Tanzanian media market, the actual diversity of content within the media is limited. Politics is a primary focus for most of the media; culture is normally covered as sport or traditional dancing; while economic analytical journalism and investigative journalism are rare. 38 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Tanzania 2015