Tanzania
The Code of Ethics for Media Professionals enforced by the Media
Council of Tanzania enjoins managers and editors not to disclose
sources of information given in confidence.
SCORES:
Individual scores:			

4, 1, 5, 1, 1, 4, 2, 2, 1

Average score: 			

2.3 (2006= 1.6)

1.6

Public information is easily accessible, guaranteed by law, 		
to all citizens including journalists.

ANALYSIS:
Access to public information remains a big challenge. Laws exist
that restrict public officers from revealing information to the public
such as Public Service Act, 1962. The Government’s proposals on the
Freedom of Information Bill will further curtail access to information. This has been challenged by the stakeholders proposals which
suggest for minimising bureaucracy and secrecy in making information held by public and private organs accessible to the people. The
stakeholders’ recommendations also propose for penalties for civil
servants and other public officials who withhold information without due course.
SCORES:
Individual scores:

		

Average score: 			
1.7

2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1		
1.3 (2006= 1.1)

Civil society in general and media lobby groups actively 		
advance the cause of media freedom.

ANALYSIS:
It is estimated that there are over 10,000 registered NGO’s in the
8				

African Media Barometer - Tanzania 2008

Select target paragraph3