Observers call for responsible media coverage
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Forum for Parliament International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR) Election Observers has urged journalists and media professionals in Tanzania to carry out their duties responsibly and ethically to strengthen democracy during the ongoing election period.
The call was made yesterday by FP-ICGLR Head of Mission Malugo Chisangano during a meeting with media stakeholders in Dar es Salaam.
Ms Chisangano, a former Speaker of the Zambian Parliament and her delegation met with Tanzanian media representatives to assess the media environment, freedom of expression and information integrity throughout the electoral process.
“Keep up the good work of informing the public. The media plays a critical role, especially during elections, in ensuring that democracy is exercised,” Ms Chisangano pointed out.
The discussions focused on the media’s central role in shaping public opinion, promoting transparent elections, and the importance of responsible, balanced reporting to avoid misinformation and polarisation.
In the course, observers encouraged collaboration between journalists, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and election observers to ensure accurate and timely coverage.
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A lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication (UDSM-SJMC), Dr Egbert Mkoko expressed satisfaction with the current state of media freedom in Tanzania, noting that media houses are operating in a safe and conducive environment, particularly during the election period.
Advocate Rehema Mpagama, representing the Journalist Accreditation Board (JAB), said the government has issued accreditation to eligible journalists nationwide, especially to protect their profession.
She also highlighted ongoing training programmes to guide journalists on election coverage and measures being developed to tackle fake news and misinformation.
The meeting brought together FP-ICGLR observers and representatives from public and private media organisations, including Tanzania Standard Newspapers (TSN), Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), UDSM-SJMC, Jumuiya ya Waandishi wa Mtandaoni Tanzania (JUMIKITA), Millard Ayo and JAB.
