SECTOR 4 Follow-up Questions What were the positive developments in the media environment in the last two years? i. Information and broadcasting policy review. ii. Consolidation and improvement of TBC. iii. Public awareness on the workings of the media. For the first time there is a Media Consumers Consultative Council (MCCC). iv. Media became more active in unveiling big corruption scandals involving big shots. v. Media gaining the trust of legislators. vi. More university graduates in journalism and media. vii. Operationalisation of the Employment and Labour Relations Act of 2007, with clauses that may protect journalists who are punished or transferred without proper procedure. What were the negative developments in the media environment in the last two years? i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. 50 The newspaper mortality rate was high. Newspapers operate without business plan. Others abandon the newspaper business for other lucrative business opportunities. Some were banned by government. Others suffocated from the stiff competition. Lack of job security for journalists in media. While some journalists are fired directly, others are sent to far off places where there are no offices or facilities, as a means of frustrating them. Ignorance of the knowledge of Employment and Labour Relations Act (2007) which has provisions which journalists could use for their own protection. Increase in editorial interference by media owners. Ethical decline in some media outlets. Owners establishing newspapers to settle political/business scores. Declining trust between media and the government. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TANZANIA 2010