Tanzania
SCORES:
Individual scores: 			

2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 2, 2

Average score: 			

2.4 (2006= 1.6)

2.9

Government promotes a political and economic 			
environment which allows a diverse media landscape.

ANALYSIS:
Not much has been done by the Government to promote a diverse
media landscape. The information and Broadcasting Policy as a political statement of intent does recognise the need for a diverse and
pluralistic media. This intent has so far not been translated into
law. Both the Governments and the Stakeholders’ proposals on the
Media Services Bill are silent on the issue of ensuring diversity and
plurality of the media.
The panellists noted that the Government which is a major advertiser chooses the media outlets that are “friendly” to it to advertise. TBC, supposedly a public broadcaster gets tax payers money to
run it and at the same time competes for advertisements with the
private radio and TV stations. It was noted that it is easy for TBC to
undercut its competitors because it receives subventions from the
Government.
SCORES:
Individual scores: 			

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

Average score: 			

2.1 (2006= 3.2)

16				

African Media Barometer - Tanzania 2008

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