SECTOR 3

3.12 Community broadcasting enjoys special promotion by the government given its potential to broaden
access by communities to the airwaves.
The main way in which the government helps to promote community
broadcasting initiatives is by providing them with licences, which are cheaper
than commercial licences, and frequencies, although due to a limited number of
analogue frequencies this is not always possible. In terms of direct funding, there
is no support from the state, although community radio stations are exempt from
tax when they import broadcasting equipment.
Most community radio stations are funded by advertising from municipalities and
businesses, as well as the Tanzania Media Fund, UNESCO and other donors.
As there is no legal definition of ‘community broadcasting’ in any of the legislation
or policies in Tanzania, the sector appears to be operating in neglect. Panellists
voiced concern that most ‘community’ radio stations were not speaking broadly
to a general community. Some are owned by churches, such as Radio Maria in
Zanzibar.

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:

3.9 (2010 = 1.6; 2008 = 1.8; 2006 = 2.7)

Average score for sector 3:

2.9 (2010 = 2.7)

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TANZANIA 2012

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