Tanzania
In Zanzibar, the Government is hesitant to allow for the establishment of a community radio station in Micheweni, Pemba where
there will be established a Millennium village.
SCORES:
Individual scores: 			

1, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 3, 2, 1

Average score: 			

1.8 (2006= 2.7)

2.6

The editorial independence of print media published by a 		
public authority is protected adequately against undue 		
political interference.

ANALYSIS:
There is limited editorial independence and self censorship in print
media published by a public authority. This may be because the
Managing Director is appointed by the President, and the Chairperson of the Board of Directors is appointed by the by the Minister. It
is difficult under the circumstances to be critical of Government.
The panelists noted censorship as such is not practiced and the
Boards would not interfere directly on editorial content but it is
assumed that the Managing Editor and the journalists in the newspapers are aware of their boundaries and alliances. It was felt however, that in the public media at least those boundaries are clearer
than in private media where the owner, the spouse, children and
friends may even influence editorial content without qualms. Security of employment is also shaky.
SCORES:
Individual scores: 			

1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 2, 2

Average score: 			

1.9 (2006= 1.6)

14				

African Media Barometer - Tanzania 2008

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