The government of Tanzania has banned all domestic broadcasters from carrying foreign-made content without permission from the state.
The new rule is part of the revised guidelines issued by the country’s Communication Regulatory Authority.
The new directives require a local journalist to be accompanied by a government official when covering a story with a foreigner.
Media houses that do not follow the directives risk being fined.
International media houses that have obtained permission to air content like BBC, DW and CNN will take responsibility for any content deemed “unsuitable”.
“Baada ya kupata kibali cha kujiunga na mtoa huduma mwingine wa maudhui. Mwenye leseni atawajibika kwa maudhui yoyote yasiyozingatia sheria na kanuni hizi,” the government said.
Tanzania is scheduled to hold general elections in October. President John Pombe Magufuli is seeking another term in office. He’ll be challenged by renown opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
The Tanzania government has been accused of taking control of the local media by frustrating journalists.
“Tanzania will hold its elections in October. Under the new law, foreign correspondents cannot work with local journalist and fixers – unless a government official is with them wherever they go, ” BBC journalist Ferdinand Omondi tweeted.
“The Tanzanian government has already cracked down on domestic journalists. They have been intimidated, banned, and even jailed. Now, it seems state is training guns on the foreign press, seeking total control of the content Tanzania citizens consume.” He added.
Tanzania has banned all domestic broadcasters from carrying foreign-made content without government permission. New regulations also demand the presence of a government minder when covering a local story with a foreigner.
— FERDINAND OMONDI (@FerdyOmondi) August 10, 2020
State says this will 'improve content' pic.twitter.com/E4ZNISNOUn
Source: KahawaTungu
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