DAR ES SALAAM: FROM an early age, Dr Joyce Bazira was captivated by the power of storytelling.
As a primary school student, she enjoyed reading books, recalling details, and retelling stories to her friends. She had a natural curiosity for storytelling and loved creating narratives that captured the imagination of those around her.
Her interest in media took a new turn when she became a choir leader at her school. During the Uhuru Torch race, her choir performed at an event, and the following day, she heard part of their song broadcast on Radio Tanzania Dar es Salaam. The experience left a lasting impression on her.
“I was fascinated by the announcer’s voice and wanted to learn more about how the radio worked. I became eager to understand how news was produced and delivered to the public,” she recalls.
From that moment, she developed a habit of listening to the radio and following news programmes. She became more interested in how journalists gathered information and presented it to the public.
Curious about how she could pursue a career in the field, she sought guidance from her teacher. He encouraged her to read widely, focus on her studies, and develop strong language skills.
Determined to follow her dream, she carried her teacher’s advice into her secondary school years at Rugambwa Girls’ Secondary School.
She actively participated in debates and English language clubs, sharpening her communication skills. She also took every opportunity to engage in activities that would improve her public speaking and storytelling abilities.
After completing her Advanced Level education, she earned a Division One, which was an outstanding achievement.
At that time, universities in Tanzania did not offer degrees in journalism, so she enrolled at the Tanzania School of Journalism (TSJ), where she pursued a diploma in journalism.
In 1994, after graduating, she joined The Guardian Limited as a reporter. The media house was a newly established private company that aimed to offer diverse perspectives beyond state and party-controlled narratives.
Working with The Guardian was a turning point in her career, as she was surrounded by talented professionals who were dedicated to the craft of journalism.
She quickly rose through the ranks, moving from a reporter to the position of managing editor. Her leadership at The Guardian lasted for 15 years before she decided to transition into academia in 2010.
With over 20 years of experience in journalism and communication, Dr Bazira has dedicated her career to media training, research, and mentorship.
She holds a PhD in Mass Communication from St Augustine University of Tanzania, where she also earned her Master’s degree in the same field.
ALSO READ: Tanzania Media urged to embrace AI technology
She has taught in various universities in Tanzania, both at undergraduate and graduate levels, in subjects such as Media Ethics, Conflict Communication, Corporate Communication, and News Writing.
Her academic contributions have played a crucial role in shaping aspiring journalists and media professionals.
Beyond the classroom, she has worked as a consultant for both local and international organizations.
She has collaborated with institutions such as the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), Tanzania Media Foundation (TMF), Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), Gender Links, and the Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA).
Through these platforms, she has trained journalists in investigative reporting, election coverage, gender-sensitive journalism, and ethical reporting.
Since 2016, she has been actively involved in coaching and mentoring women journalists in Tanzania through a flagship initiative of WAN-IFRA Women in News Leadership Accelerator Programme (WIN).
Many of the journalists she has trained have gone on to hold leadership positions in various media organizations.
Her work has extended beyond Tanzania, as she has trained journalists from countries such as Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Malawi, South Sudan, Zambia, Botswana, Somalia, and Kenya.
“I have worked with many female journalists over the years, guiding them through career challenges and helping them position themselves for leadership roles. It is fulfilling to see their progress,” she said.
Through her mentorship, many women have gained confidence in their abilities and taken on new opportunities in the industry. She has also supported female students studying journalism, offering them guidance as they prepare to enter the profession.
Despite the progress in journalism, she recognizes the significant challenges facing the media industry in Tanzania.
Many media outlets struggle financially, leading to low salaries, delayed payments, and outdated equipment. Some journalists work without employment contracts, which affects job security and professional development.
The financial difficulties also make it hard for media houses to attract and retain skilled professionals.
This has led to a decline in the quality of journalism and a loss of public trust in the media.
“The lack of investment in the media industry affects the quality of reporting. Without proper resources, journalists are unable to produce in-depth stories that have a lasting impact,” she explains.
Despite these obstacles, she believes that journalists must continue striving for excellence and finding ways to overcome the limitations in the industry.
Dr Bazira encourages journalists, especially women, to assess their commitment to the profession and invest in continuous learning.
“The media industry is evolving rapidly. Those who do not upgrade their skills will struggle to remain relevant. Journalists need to understand the changes happening in the industry and adjust accordingly,” she says.
She also stresses the importance of versatility in the profession. In today’s digital age, journalists are expected to handle multiple tasks, including writing, photography, video production, and social media management.
“With the advancement of technology, one person can now do many things at once. Journalists must learn how to multitask to keep up with industry demands,” she said.
She points out that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming journalism, and those who do not acquire new skills may find it difficult to compete in the industry.
Dr Bazira’s dedication to media development has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, she received the Woman of Achievement in Media in Tanzania award in recognition of her efforts in mentoring and training journalists.
“It brings me great joy to see those I have mentored succeed. Knowing that I have played a part in their growth is more rewarding than anything else,” Dr Joyce said.
Her contributions to journalism, media training, and mentorship continue to shape the future of the industry.
As she looks ahead, she remains committed to empowering journalists and ensuring that media professionals have the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
