Tanzania close to adopting new broadcasting technology
DODOMA: THE Ministry of Information, Communication, and Information Technology is in the final stages of revising the broadcasting regulations to pave the way for the adoption of Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) technology.
This was revealed by Deputy Minister of Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Engineer Mathew Kundo, at an Annual Broadcasting Conference (ABC) held in Dodoma as he insisted the move aimed at addressing various challenges, including radio frequency scarcity, particularly in urban areas, thus extending the reach of radio content to a broader audience.
Engineer Kundo revealed at the ABC meeting, organized by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), that radio coverage has now reached an impressive 55 per cent of Tanzania’s geographical expanse, excluding wildlife reserves and forests.
The deputy minister urged broadcasters to disseminate high-quality content related to election activities and development during the upcoming Local Government Authority and general elections.
On his part, Broadcasting Services Section manager at TCRA said DSB technology utilizes communication infrastructure to deliver content, transcending reliance solely on radio spectrum frequencies.
He expressed his optimism that DSB is going to optimize radio broadcasting services, enhancing service providers to reach every corner of the country unhindered by physical barriers like mountains, terrains, buildings, or trees.
The Annual Broadcasting Conference concluded with a collective resolution to unite efforts in ensuring adherence to ethical standards by broadcasting entities and eliminating content that violates broadcasting norms.
This initiative followed concerns raised by veteran radio presenters associated with Radio Tanzania Dar es Salaam, expressing dismay over the erosion of broadcasting and media ethics in many broadcasting stations across the country.
Abdalla Majura, representing veteran broadcasters through their umbrella organization known as Wakongwe wa RTD urged the government to take steps to restore broadcasting ethics, emphasizing the importance of upholding Tanzanian values.
“We anticipate significant advancements in Tanzania’s broadcasting sector as we embrace new technologies and implement improvement strategies,” remarked Jacob Mwenga, Manager of Ice Broadcasting Station in Makambako, Njombe.
The Annual Broadcasting Summit, organized annually by the TCRA, serves as a crucial platform for stakeholders in the Tanzanian broadcasting sector to discuss challenges and opportunities.
This paves the way for the regulator to formulate strategies for further enhancement in collaboration with all broadcasting sector and online media stakeholders.
