Tanzania: government wants to regulate the broadcasting of international media

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2 min

A new law now prohibits local radio and television stations from broadcasting international media content without prior government permission. A measure that fears censorship and worries in the Tanzanian press.

Publicity

It is a statement that makes Tanzanian journalists cringe. From now on, the agreement of a government official will be necessary to negotiate partnerships between local and international media.

Some Tanzanian media also claim that the new regulations would require the presence of a government official when a foreigner covers local topics.

The government immediately asserted that this new regulation was in no way a ban on international media.

But on the side of human rights organizations, it is difficult not to see this measure as further pressure from the Tanzanian government on the press, while the amendment comes after the broadcast on a local radio station of an interview with the political opponent Tundu Lissu .

Since the election of President Magufuli in 2015, Reporter Sans Frontières affirms "that  none of the 180 countries classified by the organization has experienced such a deterioration in its situation in terms of press freedom  ".

With the presidential election due to be held in October, many fear a further lack of freedoms in the country's media coverage.

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• Tanzania
• Media

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