WAY FORWARD The way forward 1. What were the developments in the media environment in the last two /three years? Positive developments 1. The Media Council of Tanzania assisted by the Tanzanian Media Fund are taking a more proactive role in skills training for journalists, and educating the public on the complaints procedure 2. The media fraternity is taking a more active role in educating the public about the constitutional reform process 3. The establishment of the Tanzanian Editors’ Forum 4. Media fraternity is more united on reporting issues and at times presents a united voice on fighting for media rights 5. The two bills-in-waiting (Access to Information and Media Services) have not yet been passed but are still in the process of becoming laws 6. Increased efforts by civil society organisations and the media to educate people on the rights to access information Negative developments 1. Government still using draconian laws to clamp down on freedom of expression and any media that does not ‘toe the line’ 2. Harassment and hostility displayed by district officials towards journalists 3. Chairperson of the Tanzanian Editors’ Forum and a journalist from Mwanachi arrested on charges of sedition 2. What kinds of activities are needed over the next two years? 1. The defunct Tanzania Union of Journalists must be resuscitated – MISA will lead this process 2. Increased pressure must be exerted to push for the two media bills to be enacted – Media Council of Tanzania 3. Media must unite and lobby so that issues that affect the media are taken on board in the new constitution – MCT/ Legal and Human Rights Centre 4. Conduct a media training needs assessment and an audit of what media skills exist – MISA/ School of Journalism and Mass Communication, St. Augustine University 5. Ensure enforcement of the MCT code of ethics – MCT 60 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TANZANIA 2012