Tanzania
Internet services are the cheapest among all East African countries.
At internet cafes, one hour costs Tshs. 500.00 on average, with higher prices at most hotels. The panelists pointed out that accessibility to this service is hampered by availability of electricity. People
living in rural or in semi-urban areas are deprived of this service
because the electricity supply is still confined to urban areas.
It was further noted that, generally, investigative journalism appears to be lacking and that news content in most newspapers is
largely the same.
SCORES:
Individual scores:

3, 3, 3, 4, 2, 3, 3, 2, 3, 3

Average score:

2.9

2.2

Citizens’ access to domestic and international media
sources is not restricted by state authorities.

ANALYSIS:
Access to media sources is restricted by provisions in the Newspaper Act 3 of 1976 which gives the President powers to prevent the
circulation of newspapers and books. A controversial book by Salman Rushdie (The Satanic Verses) was banned and 300 copies were
refused entry at the airport. Other restrictions are spelt out in the
Penal Code under article 114 on pornography.
But in reality it is difficult to stop any published material from entering Tanzania.

12

African Media Barometer - Tanzania 2006

Select target paragraph3