‘Stop compromising broadcasting ethics, principles’
DAR ES SALAAM: DIRECTOR of Sectoral Affairs from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Engineer Felician Mwesigwa has called journalists in the broadcasting sector to steadfastly adhere to the principles and ethics of broadcasting.
He underscored that maintaining these standards is pivotal for the media industry to thrive and make a substantial impact in the country.
Speaking at the 2024 Tanzania Mainland Broadcasting Commemoration Symposium in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Engineer Mwesigwa underscored the enduring importance of upholding broadcasting ethics and values despite technological advancements in the media and information sectors.
“Technology may change, but the ethics and values of broadcasting remain the same. It is crucial to safeguard our values and ethics in broadcasting to ensure that the industry grows and makes the intended contribution to our Tanzanian society,” stated Mwesigwa.
Also read: Why TCRA engages broadcasting stakeholders in quality content
Eng Mwesigwa said that the symposium, commemorating 73 years of broadcasting in Tanzania, was an important day for TCRA, the sole overseers of telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal services that provided an opportunity to evaluate technological changes for sustainability.
On his part, the Chairperson for the Association of Veteran Broadcasters Radio Tanzania Dar es salaam (RTD), who is also a member of the TCRA Content Committee, Mr Suleiman Kumchaya, said that the media industry has made significant strides in technological advancements, which facilitate and reduce the time for work.
Mr Kumchaya said that broadcasters in this era should utilise technology and its latest changes and updates to build and strengthen the industry without compromising broadcasting ethics.
He pointed out that a significant mistake in the industry is allowing individuals without journalism skills and qualifications to perform news and broadcasting tasks, which undermines the standards of the profession.
“In our time, no one was allowed to even touch the microphone if he or she doesn’t have sufficient expertise to the profession.
We were trained for three months on how to broadcast and were guided on all the principles of broadcasting,” he said.
The Vice-Chairman of the association, Mr Jacob Tesha urged journalist and broadcasters to consider the general public interest in fulfilling their duties Mr Tesha said that journalists should educate themselves to thoroughly understand the guiding social policies, politics and strategies in order to align their information with the relevance, needs and interest of the society promoting national unity.
On her part, one of the veteran journalists and a member of the TCRA Content Committee Ms Betty Mkwasa underlined on the discipline among broadcasters, within and outside their duties, she said discipline for journalist has been crucial in earning respect for the Media industry.
She mentioned that formally, more opportunities in broadcasting were given to men from coastal regions, as it was believed that they were proficient in Swahili language.
However, few women emerged and showcased their abilities, making them more trusted in the profession.
“The employers believed that those coming from outside the coastal regions didn’t knew proper Swahili, so they only prioritised men.
Fortunately, a few women performed exceptionally well and proved that women can excel in this field,” she said.
The Symposium, organised by the veterans of Radio Tanzania Dar es Salaam (now TBC Taifa), took place as yesterday as part of the commemoration of 73 years of broadcasting services since its establishment in Tanganyika in July 195.
