SECTOR 1 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: 1.0 (2008 = n/a ; 2006 = n/a) 1.6 Entry into and practice of the journalistic profession is legally unrestricted. It was observed that in practice, any person could enter into any newsroom and work as a reporter or writer. A panellist said there was no clear definition of a ‘journalism profession’. “Here anybody who can access a notebook, a pen and a microphone can practice” one panellist quipped. However, Government Information Services also issues press cards known as Maelezo, with the understanding that if a reporter goes to a public office without a press card, he or she could easily be taken to court for impersonation. Another panellist expressed concern over rogue reporters commonly known as Kanjanja4 who are believed to be tarnishing the image of the profession. It was pointed out that there is need for debate in Tanzania to clearly define a journalist, especially in light of the emergence of ‘citizen journalists’. The panel was informed that the government had assigned ten people to review the current Media and Information Policy with a view to iron out all contentious issues among stakeholders. One of the issues up for discussion in the policy is whether there should be a minimum qualification for those intending to practice journalism. Panellists agreed that there was need to initiate a debate on the issue. 4 A kanjanja is a person who goes to an office, posing as a reporter, asks a lot of questions, takes a lot of notes, and reports for no media outlet. They have proven very keen in asking their sources for transport or meal allowance. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TANZANIA 2010 15