The body that regulates electronic media in Tanzania has warned TV and radio stations against hiring people who don’t have the “required qualifications” to practise journalism.
“Those who don’t heed this warning will be fined or have their licences withdrawn as stipulated in law,” the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) said in a notice published in the government-owned Daily News newspaper.
According to the 2016 Media Services Act, only those with a minimum of a communication-related diploma (one-two years of study) can be be accredited as journalists.
But media graduates have long complained that they miss out on jobs, as TV and radio stations prefer DJs and comedians.
They say that those not trained in media school are prone to ignoring the profession’s ethical standards.
A journalist has shared TCRA’s statement and praised the agency for taking action.
“Let us respect the profession, let people go to school if they want to become journalists.