SECTOR 3

3.1 Broadcasting legislation is passed and is
implemented, and provides for a conducive
environment for public, commercial and
community broadcasting
Panellists said broadcasting legislation, notably the Electronic and Postal
Communication Act and the Media Services Act, were restrictive. They cited harsh
licensing conditions, which include the payment of annual renewal fees and a
wide range of penalties, as hindrances to the growth of private and community
broadcasting. Despite their non-profit statuses and community development
vocation, community radios do not get any special treatment or exemption.

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:
Score of previous years:

✓✓
✓✓

✓✓✓✓

✓✓✓

✓

3.3
2006: 2.6; 2008: 2.8; 2010: 2.1; 2012: 3.8; 2015: 3.3

3.2 Broadcasting is regulated by an independent body
adequately protected against interference by law,
and whose board is appointed in an open and
transparent manner involving civil society and is
not dominated by any particular political party
Broadcasting is regulated by the TCRA. The authority, established through an
act of parliament in 2003, describes itself as ‘a quasi-independent government
body’. Its board is appointed by the president and the minister in charge of
the sector, through a nomination process led by the permanent secretary of the
competent ministry. The nomination committee includes two representatives of
the private sector but has no final say on the composition of the board. Panellists
said the TCRA is not independent, even though board members represent a
broad range of expertise. It is accountable to the state and serves state interest.

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AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TANZANIA 2019

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