SECTOR 4 4.5 Journalists and editors do not practice self-censorship. Panellists agreed that self-censorship is a very common practice dominant in all newspapers in Tanzania. “Editors may choose not to publish a story to protect their jobs. They may fear antagonizing the government, friends, owners, politicians, advertisers…” Newspapers also have formal policies or guidelines which journalists and editors must abide by, thus possibly censoring themselves. These include not publishing articles, which might be constituted as defamation, libel or an incitement to violence. Some panellists noted that there was a very fine line between being responsible and censoring oneself. There are also unwritten guidelines specific to each title: “Certain names must not feature positively in certain papers.” Advertising plays a very strong role in self-censorship, and editors will avoid antagonizing advertisers. “It is an issue of survival, especially if a newspaper relies on these ads.” 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: 1.8 (2010 = 1.5; 2008 = 2.0; 2006 = 2.1) 4.6 Owners of established mainstream private media do not interfere with editorial independence. Panellists felt very strongly that there is virtually no editorial independence within the private media in Tanzania, particularly in the print media. “Journalists and editors fear for their job security. In newspapers and on private TV stations, you can always see the dominance of the owners’ interests.” 54 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TANZANIA 2012