Healing and rebuilding after the storm

The media, long seen as the conscience of society, suddenly found itself caught between power and the people trying to report, verify and explain a rapidly shifting reality without losing its own credibility or safety. Many journalists describe this period as one of “walking on eggshells,” where every word carried weight and every silence felt like complicity.

But as the dust begins to settle, one truth remains: for Tanzania’s democracy to heal, its media must heal too.

When a nation goes through political turmoil, the focus often falls on leaders, institutions and public reactions. Yet, the media, its reporters, editors, camera operators and commentators are also frontline witnesses. They absorb the tension firsthand. They see fear in the eyes of citizens, anger in the voices of politicians and uncertainty in the flow of information.

Over time, this constant exposure creates what psychologists call “collective trauma”. Journalists may not show it openly, but many carry emotional fatigue. Burnout rises, cynicism deepens and creativity suffers. Some begin to self-censor as a coping mechanism; others detach emotionally from their work to survive the day.

In Tanzania, this trauma manifests in subtle but telling ways hesitant editorial decisions, overly cautious headlines and a decline in investigative courage. Newsrooms that once debated fiercely now avoid sensitive topics altogether. The instinct to question has been replaced by the instinct to protect.

Healing starts by naming this condition for what it is. The Tanzanian media is not just facing a content crisis; it’s facing an emotional and ethical one.

The first step toward healing is reflection. The media must ask itself: Who are we and who do we serve?

In moments of political crisis, it’s easy for journalism to lose its compass, to become reactive rather than purposeful. But the strength of the press lies in clarity of mission to inform, to hold power accountable and to protect the public’s right to know.

Healing requires revisiting that mission, free from fear and fatigue. Media houses should hold internal dialogues in safe spaces where editors, reporters and staff can share experiences, frustrations and hopes. These sessions aren’t about apportioning blame but rebuilding collective purpose.

Training on trauma-informed journalism should also become standard. Journalists covering conflict or politics need not only technical skills but also emotional resilience. Understanding how trauma affects perception, judgment and reporting helps ensure coverage remains fair and humane.

The political crisis didn’t just shake newsrooms it also eroded public confidence. Audiences, overwhelmed by misinformation and polarisation, began to question everything, including the credibility of mainstream outlets.

To rebuild that trust, media must double down on transparency. Explain how stories are verified. Publish corrections promptly. Show audiences what ethical journalism looks like in action. When the public sees effort, honesty and accountability, trust returns gradually.

Moreover, collaboration is key. Competing outlets can come together around national interest stories joint investigations or fact-checking projects to demonstrate that truth is larger than any single brand.

Media owners and leaders must also recognise that the industry’s wounds aren’t only emotional; they’re structural. Low pay, unsafe working conditions and lack of legal protection all contribute to vulnerability.

This is the time for media organisations, associations and donors to invest in recovery. Establishing media wellness programmes, counselling services and peer-support networks should no longer be seen as luxuries but as necessities. Healing institutions build stronger journalism.

Healing is not a return to “normal”. It’s a transformation. The media must emerge from this moment more self-aware, resilient and ethical than before.

It begins with empathy for the public, for sources and for each other inside the newsroom. It grows through courage the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, even within our own profession. And it endures through integrity by remembering that credibility, once lost, is hard to regain.

The political storm may have passed, but its echo remains. Tanzanian journalism now faces a test of endurance: can it rebuild the moral confidence that allows it to speak truth to power without fear or favour? The answer will define not only the future of the profession but also the strength of the democracy it serves.

Because when the media heals, the nation heals too.

Angel Navuri is Head of Advertising, Partnerships and Events at Mwananchi Communications Limited