Media laws, scribes’ welfare in focus as ‘The Citizen’ turns 20

Dar es Salaam. Media stakeholders convened for a virtual session on X Spaces organised by The Citizen on September 12, 2024, to reflect on Tanzania’s media landscape and also mark 20 years since the establishment of the news outlet.

The thought-provoking discussion titled Reflecting on Tanzania’s Media Space over the Years attracted a diverse audience and featured expert speakers who examined the evolution of the media industry, the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age, and the impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism.

The conversation opened with an emphasis on the pivotal role of young digital journalists in shaping the future of Tanzania’s media landscape. Experts highlighted the need for the industry to embrace technological shifts while holding fast to the core values of journalism.

Executive director of JamiiForums, Maxence Melo, was one of the prominent voices advocating for the support of emerging journalists, especially those entering the digital space. He called for a more supportive environment for citizen journalists, urging the government to enable rather than restrict them.

“Instead of suppressing these citizen journalists, let’s focus on creating a supportive environment for the youth entering the media industry. We should encourage them to pursue opportunities in the digital space. If we faced setbacks, we should give the youth the chance to surpass us,” Melo said.

Melo also advised caution in seeking government regulation on emerging technologies like AI, urging a focus on using such tools to empower citizens rather than on over-regulating them. “When amending laws, don’t focus solely on AI. Instead, emphasise the importance of utilising emerging technologies to empower citizens.

If we keep asking for regulations on every new technology, we’ll constantly need to update laws as innovations arise,” he added.

President of the Eastern Africa Editors Society and Chairman of the Tanzania Editors Forum, Deodatus Balile, echoed Melo’s sentiments. He stressed the importance of integrating AI and digital tools into journalism while ensuring that professional ethics remain intact.

“AI is not here to replace us; it’s here to transform how we work. The only difference between traditional media and digital media is the time frame. We must train young digital journalists to uphold the same ethical standards while adapting to technological advancements,” Balile said.

Concerns about the declining quality of journalism were raised by the Executive Director of the Media Council of Tanzania, Ernest Sungura. Sungura pointed to the “single-source syndrome” and a decrease in investigative reporting, both of which threaten the credibility of the media. He emphasised the need for tech companies to partner with legacy media to help modernise the sector.

“We’re struggling with issues like single-source syndrome and unbalanced reporting. Investigative journalism has declined, and we’re seeing a drop in advertising revenue. We need to push tech companies to help equip legacy media with the resources necessary to improve the industry,” Sungura said.

A lecturer in journalism and media studies at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Dotto Kuhenga, echoed these concerns, stressing the need for updated training to meet global standards. “For us to change how we train journalists, we need to use research that informs us about what’s required now. While we’ve made progress, limited equipment continues to challenge our ability to produce fully equipped students,” he said.

Former managing director of Mwananchi Communications Ltd, Bakari Machumu, provided historical context to the discussion, reflecting on the media’s critical role in holding all sectors of society accountable, from government to civil society and the private sector.

He expressed optimism about recent amendments to controversial media laws, stating that these changes reflect the media’s ongoing role as a watchdog in Tanzanian society.

Assistant Director of Information Services, Maelezo, Patrick Kipangula, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for media growth. He pointed out the recent amendments to the Media Services Act as evidence of the government’s efforts to support the media industry.

“The government is committed to creating a more conducive environment for the media sector. We’ve amended several laws and removed controversial provisions to support media progress,” Kipangula emphasised.

As the event neared its conclusion, co-founder and managing editor of The Chanzo, Tony Alfred, underscored the opportunities presented by digital platforms in storytelling. He highlighted the need for platforms that integrate new tools and approaches to cover stories comprehensively.

“Our goal is to nurture young journalists, helping them grow and learn as we build a new culture in the industry,” Alfred said.

The X Space not only fostered meaningful discussions on the future of journalism in Tanzania but also reaffirmed The Citizen’s commitment to facilitating conversations that shape the country’s media landscape.

With the digital age rapidly transforming the industry, Tanzania’s media must adapt to technological innovations while remaining grounded in journalistic integrity.

The event showcased the potential of digital platforms like X to create impactful discussions and highlighted the growing importance of young journalists in the country’s media space, setting the tone for a more inclusive and dynamic future.