Zanzibar Government urged to finalize Media Law Reforms
The Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), Ernest Sungura, speaking during the celebration of World Press Freedom Day in Zanzibar
Zanzibar: The Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) has called on the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to ensure that ongoing discussions aimed at revising media policies and laws result in definitive and beneficial changes for all stakeholders.
The Executive Secretary of MCT, Ernest Sungura, delivered a speech during the celebration of World Press Freedom Day in Zanzibar.
In his speech, he highlighted the importance of press freedom in promoting democracy and transparency.
Sungura emphasized that the media has a crucial role in ensuring that the public receives accurate and timely information.
He also discussed the challenges faced by journalists, including threats and various obstacles, and called on the government and other stakeholders to take measures to strengthen press freedom and protect journalists’ rights.
The celebration aimed to raise awareness about journalists’ rights and the importance of press freedom in fostering a transparent and accountable society.
Sungura, emphasized this point today, May 23, 2024, during Press Freedom Day celebrations held at the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF) hall in Zanzibar City.
“We urge the government to finalize changes to Zanzibar’s media policies and laws. These discussions should lead to the adoption of effective policies and laws. We want to see action because actions speak louder than words,” said Sungura.
The event’s theme is “Freedom of the Press and Media Policy and Law Reforms in Zanzibar.”
Zanzibar Press Club (ZPC) Chairman, Abdallah Mfaume, highlighted the need for laws and policies that ensure the freedom and safety of journalists, noting that the national theme focuses on environmental issues.
“The national theme focuses on the environment, but we need laws and policies that guarantee our freedom and safety so we can perform our duties professionally,” said Mfaume.
The Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) Vice President Yusuph Hamisi Yusuph speaking during the celebration of Press Freedom Day in Zanzibar, which took place on May 23, 2024 at the ZSSF Hall in Kariokoo, Zanzibar
The MCT Vice President Yusuph Hamisi Yusuph, criticized the lack of skilled journalists in Tanzania, pointing out that many editors are unable to write a proper stories, starting with an introduction.
“Tanzania currently lacks capable journalists. We have editors who can’t even write an intro. Journalists have lost the drive to learn and are promoted based on certificates rather than skills,” said Yusuph.
Speaking during the Conference, the Zanzibar Broadcasting Commission (ZBC), Executive Secretary Suleiman Abdalla said that the government plans to reward journalists who performed well throughout the year. He also mentioned plans to sponsor similar Conference in the future.
He urged journalists to adhere to ethical and professional standards and to avoid sensationalism.
The Press Freedom Day celebrations were organized by the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), Zanzibar Press Club (ZPC), Tanzania Media Women Association – Zanzibar, WAHAMAZA, and the Commonwealth Foundation.