TICK-TOCK, tick-tock time is running out for ministries, public institutions and private sector players who’ve been dragging their feet on settling media debts.
In June, President Samia Suluhu Hassan delivered a very clear message: pay up by December 24th, or risk the wrath of a nation’s media watchdog. Now, as we approach the deadline, it’s time to ask: have we made progress, or is everyone hoping the media will forget this little issue over Christmas dinner?
President Samia’s ultimatum wasn’t just a casual reminder; it was a call to action. She emphasised that media houses, like any other business, need to operate commercially meaning that long-term debts, no matter how tempting to ignore, should not be piling up. And yet, here we are, inching toward the December 25th deadline. Media houses have been patiently waiting, but let’s be honest, patience isn’t exactly their strong suit when they haven’t seen a dime in months (or even years).
The Head of State’s statement couldn’t have been more direct: “By December 25, many of the payable media debts should have been settled.” That’s right, folks no more procrastination. She promised to oversee the process within the government, which means no one gets a free pass. Public institutions, ministries and anyone else with outstanding media bills, consider this your official reminder. The president has spoken. The clock is ticking. And this time, we don’t want to hear excuses about slow payments or missing paperwork.
Let’s not forget that it’s not just about the debts. The president made a crucial point media houses need to prioritise paying their employees after receiving payments. While it’s great to clear debts, journalists still need to eat, pay rent and maybe even get a little holiday cheer without worrying about the next pay cut.
Now, President Samia isn’t just playing the role of a tough boss here. She’s addressing long-standing issues in the media sector that have stunted growth and caused unnecessary financial strain.
Remember in May, members of Parliament raised concerns about the over 19bn/-n in media debts, stressing the urgent need for the 2024/25 budget to clear the outstanding balances. That’s a lot of zeroes more than enough to make any media house owner break out in a cold sweat.
So, as the deadline looms, let’s take this as a final nudge, or perhaps a not-so-subtle kick in the behind. Be a gentleman, let’s settle these debts and give our media sector the freedom to thrive.
After all, a debt-free media is a happy media and a happy media is a powerful media. Now, let’s get to work, before President Samia starts sending those friendly reminders with a bit more… urgency.
