The Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) Executive Secretary Ernest Sungura in a te-te a te-te with US Embassy Information Officer and Spokesperson, Kalisha Holmes (L) after a meeting  held at MCT offices in Tegeta, Skanska Area, Bagamoyo Road. The two discussed the importance of strengthening the partnership between the Embassy and the Council and to work together in addressing media challenges.

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

By Paul Mallimbo

The Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), Executive Secretary (ES), Ernest Sungura has called upon the US Embassy to support the Council’s activities in order to fostering independence of the media especially during elections in 2024 and 2025 to ensure the Code of Ethics for Media Professionals are adhered.

Sungura was hosting a delegation from the US Embassy who had paid him a courtesy call as a new ES, at his office in Tegeta Skanska, Dar es Salaam, on January 18, 2024.

Sungura took over the office from former Executive Secretary, Kajubi Mukajanga who retired on December 31, 2023 after serving the Council for 15 years.

The delegation from US Embassy included the US Embassy Information Officer and Spokesperson, Kalisha Holmes and Press and Media Specialist of the Embassy Japhet Sanga.

Sungura told the delegation that as a new leader his plans are to strengthen the partnership between the Embassy and the Council and to work together in addressing media challenges.

He also said that, he will take lead in guiding the media on effective and quality on the coming local government and general elections coverage. He added that the media must be free in its operations, especially during elections.

He told the delegation that his plans will also involve continue engaging with media stakeholders including the Government on the Sustainability of the Media so that they can play a better role as watch dog and agenda setters.

“Emphasis will be more on financial resources mobilization to strengthen the roles of MCT, and to invest on media monitoring for radio, TV and online,” He said.

Mr Sungura noted the efforts of his predecessor in strengthening the media working environment, adding that such efforts must be embraced through strengthened partnership between MCT and the US Embassy.

In response, the US Embassy Information Officer and Spokesperson, Kalisha Holmes, committed to support MCT by a small fund towards this year’s local government elections to enhance the media coverage.

Sungura took through the delegation on the four MCT focus areas of Advocacy for Constitutional and Policy Reform, Policy and Legislation advocacy, Press Freedom and Journalists’ Safety and Ethics and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

He also shared challenges and achievements of the Council since its establishment in 1995 when the media practitioners resolved for self-regulation.