TBN backs government’s push for ethical election reporting

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Bloggers Network (TBN) has expressed sincere gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for demonstrating a strong commitment to a peaceful and developed nation, where accurate and responsible information is a key pillar.

The statement was given by TBN Chairman, Beda Msimbe, during the opening of a workshop aimed at training bloggers for the General Election to be held on October 29 this year.

He said the government’s action, through the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, to organise special training for bloggers on reporting election news with professionalism and integrity shows the government’s determination to promote professionalism in journalism to protect the nation’s peace and stability.

In his speech, Msimbe strongly condemned all those who act contrary to Tanzanian ethics and culture, and who spread false and provocative information.

“We stand ready to unite with the government in safeguarding our national unity and ensuring that no provocations undermine our patriotism,” said Msimbe.

ALSO READ: 2025 GENERAL ELECTION: Govt urges ethical journalism

He added that the Tanzania Bloggers Network (TBN), established in 2015, remains committed to using its platforms to report and promote development news that highlights the government’s efforts in building a new Tanzania.

The training session provided bloggers with valuable insights from various experts on key topics in preparation for the 2025 General Election.

These included: The Journalists’ Guide to Reporting Election News, presented by Dr Egbert Mkoko, Election Broadcasting regulations for Political Parties, presented by Engineer Andrew Kisaka and the Role of Journalists and the Police in Maintaining Security, presented by Police Spokesperson DCP David Misime.

There was also a presentation on Ethics and Laws for Journalists by Ms Rehema Mpagama from the Journalists Accreditation Board; the Use of social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI) towards the Election, presented by Dr Darius Mukiza and Personal Data Protection towards the Election, presented by the Head of Government Communications, Mr Innocent Mungy.