SECTOR 4 The media practice high levels of professional standards. 4.1 The media follow voluntary codes of professional standards, which are enforced by self–regulatory bodies that deal with complaints from the public. Panellists observed that the MCT has in the past two years taken some initiative to review the old code of ethical standards in order to reflect current needs and challenges in the field. The draft was placed on the MCT’s website for further review by stakeholders. A panellist cautioned that it was not clear whether media practitioners in Tanzania were professionals or not, adding that it was therefore impossible to monitor or analyse observance of the code, despite the fact that almost all media houses subscribe to the MCT and are mandated to adhere to the code. It was noted that over 95% of cases brought before the MCT mainly involve complaints by the public against media, but are resolved amicably with both parties complying with the decision made. 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: 2.9 (2008 = 2.9; 2006 = 3.4) 4.2 The standard of reporting follows the basic principles of accuracy and fairness. One panellist stated that most newspapers do not follow the principles of accuracy, objectivity and impartiality. Language used, angles chosen and the facts they choose reflect bias, the panellist said. Another panellist posited that media content and behaviour was a reflection of other societal challenges. Some panellists felt that media or journalism students do not have the conviction to conduct their work accurately. A panellist noted that after a press conference, what would be 42 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TANZANIA 2010