MCT Calls for Media Law Reforms as Government Launches Journalists Accreditation Board
A section of invited guests listening to the Guest of Honor, Minister of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi (not in the picture), during the launch of the six-member Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB).
By Paul Mallimbo
As the government officially launched the Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB), the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) has reiterated the urgent need for media law reforms. MCT is calling on the government to amend the Media Services Act (MSA), respect the rulings of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), and revise the outdated 2003 Information and Broadcasting Policy.
Speaking at the launch in Dar es Salaam on March 3, 2025, the Executive Secretary Ernest Sungura reminded stakeholders that MCT had filed a case challenging the MSA 2016 at the EACJ. The court ruled on March 28, 2019, directing the government to amend several provisions of the law that were found to violate the East African Community Treaty by undermining freedom of expression.
The court further noted that some of these provisions failed to meet the legal “three-tier test” for restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
Sungura emphasized that although five years have passed since the ruling, MCT remains hopeful that the government will implement the recommended legal amendments in the interest of a more progressive media landscape.
The Chief Guest at the launch, Minister for Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi, stated that the formation of the Accreditation Board was necessitated by the rapid growth of the media industry.
He noted that with the increasing number of journalists in the country, there was a need for a regulatory body to oversee professionalism, ethics, accuracy, and accountability.
Prof. Kabudi emphasized that all journalists must comply with existing laws, regulations, and professional guidelines. The accreditation process should help eliminate unethical reporting and enhance the credibility of journalism.
He also stressed the importance of mentorship and professional guidance for journalists while ensuring that disciplinary measures are applied when necessary. Establishing a structured registration system for journalists, based on professional standards, should be an inclusive process that adapts to technological advancements in the media sector.
He highlighted the need for ethical journalism by providing regular training and guidance to media practitioners while handling complaints and ethical breaches transparently and fairly.
“The board should collaborate with media houses, journalism training institutions, and other stakeholders to ensure continuous capacity-building for journalists and equip them with modern skills,”
Additionally, he called for the implementation of public awareness programs to educate the public on the importance of upholding journalism standards while also encouraging journalists to leverage technology ethically and responsibly.
Ensuring the safety of journalists was another key directive, as the minister urged the board to work closely with relevant authorities to protect media practitioners from threats, harassment, and unnecessary restrictions. He emphasized that the security of journalists is a fundamental pillar of press freedom.
Prof. Kabudi urges the newly appointed board to uphold its mandate with diligence, ensuring that journalism in remains ethical, professional, and free from undue interference.