DODOMA: THE government has called on the broadcast media to adhere to media ethics, laws and regulations that govern their operations as the country prepares for the civic polls this year and the 2025 General Election.
The call was made here on Tuesday by Deputy Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Engineer Kundo Mathew when opening a two-day Annual Broadcasters’ Conference (ABC) which kicked off in the country’s capital on Tuesday.
The two-day event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders in the broadcasting fraternity to discuss pressing issues and strategise for the future of the Tanzanian crucial media industry.
The ABC, organised by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), focused on fostering unity and cooperation among broadcast media practitioners and creating an environment conducive to innovation and professionalism.
Themed: ‘Ethics and Broadcasting Profession’, the conference covered various key topics including the position of the media in observing professionalism and ethics, the impact of digitalisation, content creation, audience engagement, and regulatory compliance.
Speaking at the conference, Eng Mathew underscored the need for broadcasters countrywide to think of the power of the media as he equally insisted on the dire importance of the media to disseminate knowledge on the much-awaited civic elections and the next year’s General Election.
“I urge all participants at this two-day conference to put much emphasis on the regulations guiding the broadcast media and ensure that you have a uniform understanding so that you help this country to have free, fair, and transparent elections that provide a fair playground field,’’ insisted the deputy minister.
During the conference, TCRA Director General, Dr Jabiri Bakari said that in getting rid of the shrinking ethos within the country’s communities, broadcasters had a key role to play.
The TCRA boss said the ongoing conference would among other issues focus on ethics so that during election reportage there is a balanced process that will facilitate a free and fair election.
His sentiments were echoed by TCRA board Chairperson, Dr Jonas Kilimbe who noted that every broadcast media outlet had the right to report elections without bias. He said every media outlet was duty-bound to observe sobriety, professionalism and ethics.