MCT warns of rising inaccuracies
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) has called upon journalists, broadcasters and media houses across the country to strictly adhere to professional ethics and codes of conduct as the nation gears up for the upcoming General Election.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Dar es Salaam, MCT Executive Secretary Mr Ernest Sungura stressed the importance of upholding the 2020 Code of Ethics for Media Professionals, which guides the media on key principles such as accuracy, fairness and the right of reply.
“A story should not be published or broadcast without offering affected individuals or organisations a fair opportunity to respond,” the statement read, citing Section 7 of the Code.
It further explains that a report may proceed without a response only if the opportunity to comment has been declined or if the editor is satisfied that all reasonable efforts to obtain a response have been made. Editors are also allowed to provide clarification if there is credible evidence to challenge the truthfulness of a given response.
Amid rising concerns over misinformation, disinformation and hate speech, MCT has ramped up training for editors, reporters and broadcasters. This year, the Council has conducted sessions in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Arusha and Zanzibar aimed at reinforcing professionalism and vigilance in an era dominated by digital information.
However, MCT’s daily media monitoring has revealed that some outlets including online platforms, continue to violate ethical standards by publishing inaccurate content and failing to honour the right of reply. The Council warned that such practices erode public trust and damage the credibility of journalism.
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“Compliance with ethics is not optional. It is a professional obligation and the best legal safeguard for journalists,” the Council stressed.
MCT also called on media professionals to embrace their role as guardians of truth, underscoring that accuracy and verification are the most powerful tools in combating misinformation and disinformation.
The Council reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the media continues to serve as a pillar of democracy by providing the public with accurate, fair and responsible information.
The call comes as Tanzania entered electoral season, where the role of the media is crucial in informing citizens, shaping public discourse, and fostering transparency.
In previous elections, both local and international observers have warned that biased reporting, unverified claims and inflammatory content can undermine democratic processes and contribute to social unrest.
