SECTOR 3 financial status of the prospective broadcaster and the content it was planning to air. “If a license is not approved, such as the case with Mwananchi Communications’ application for a frequency since 2011, the TCRA is quite clear that the problem lies with the ministry, not the regulator.” While the TCRA Act states that the minister cannot interfere with the issuing of licences, the TCRA regulations, which are made by the minister, give him the power to approve licences, thus eroding the independence of the regulator. This gross inconsistency has so far not been challenged in the High Court through the judicial review process, although some of the community stations have formed the Community Media Network of Tanzania to lobby for policy change. “The process has become political. A politician can get a broadcasting license in six months, while private groups can wait five years.” 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: 2.6 (2012 = 3.1; 2010 = 1.1; 2008 = n/a; 2006 = n/a) 3.3 The body, which regulates broadcasting services and licences, does so in the public interest and ensures fairness and a diversity of views broadly representing society at large. Panellists felt the TCRA did its best under these circumstances to be fair in its regulatory role. The recently released TCRA code of conduct for election reporting is an indication of this. “There are flaws in the licensing process but no radio station has actually been closed by the TCRA or had its licence revoked.” 48 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Tanzania 2015