Tanzania
in the country. At Bachelor level, they include the University of Dar
es Salaam, St. Augustine University, Tumaini University and the Muslim University. Other training institutions also exist but lack facilities. Some have been registered as business entities.
The panelists noted that despite there being many training institutions churning out graduates each year, standards are still nosediving. The panelists were emphatic that there is need for a Media
Standards Board that would set curriculum and examinations and
ensure compliance of standards. It was noted that such a body was
proposed by the Government in its proposals for the Media Services
Bill and it has been endorsed by the stakeholders who have proposed changes to improve it.
It was also noted that there is need for in-service training/mid career training of journalists to allow for upgrading of skills responsive
to the current media market.
SCORES:
Individual scores: 			

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

Average score: 			

2.3 (2006=3.2)

4.10

Journalists and other media practitioners are organised in 		
trade unions and/or professional associations.

ANALYSIS:
There are a number of media organizations but many of them are
not functioning well. The Tanzania Union of Journalists (TUJ) is almost dead and does not enjoy the patronage of the journalists who
are reluctant perhaps to part ways with 2% of their salaries when
they become members. There is a great need for the journalists to
organize themselves in trade unions so that they can fight for better
salaries and working conditions. By not organizing they shall forever
African Media Barometer - Tanzania 2008			

35

Select target paragraph3