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Tanzanian media chiefs vow neutrality amidst election tensions

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 6:10 GMT by The Citizen
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Tanzanian Media Chiefs Commit to Neutrality Amid Growing Election Tensions

In the weeks leading up to the highly anticipated 2025 Tanzanian presidential election, a collective of senior media leaders convened in Dar es Salaam to reaffirm their dedication to impartial reporting. The gathering, which drew heads from the country’s most influential news outlets—The Citizen, Tanzania News Agency (TAN), Mwanamedia, Kaleva TV, and Mara FM, among others—resulted in a joint statement pledging that the media would serve the public interest without succumbing to political pressures or partisan biases.

The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Tanzania Press Council (TPC), a statutory body that regulates the media sector. Delegates, including the newly appointed chair of the council, Mr. Khamis Nyarumba, and the editor‑in‑chief of Mwanamedia, Ms. Aisha Mbuga, presented a set of principles that they will embed in their editorial guidelines. “In a democracy, the press is the watchdog, not the watchdog’s tool,” Nyarumba emphasized. “Our promise is to present facts, give voice to all stakeholders, and maintain rigorous fact‑checking, even when the stakes are high.”

Context: Heightened Political Stakes

The 2025 presidential race has already been marked by intense rivalry between the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and the opposition coalition, which includes the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT‑Wazalendo) and the Civic United Front (CUF). A series of rallies, televised debates, and campaign advertisements have intensified public debate, but they have also amplified calls from political actors for media outlets to align with their positions.

In the months preceding the summit, there have been instances of alleged bias in coverage. For example, a report by Mara FM that highlighted corruption allegations against a CCM-backed mayor was quickly countered by a press release from the mayor’s office claiming the station had “peddled falsehoods.” Similarly, Kaleva TV faced criticism from ACT‑Wazalendo supporters after a segment on the opposition’s proposed constitutional reforms was seen as overly critical.

The media chiefs’ vow to neutrality comes as a response to these tensions, as well as to public demands for transparent and balanced reporting. “We cannot allow the media to become a conduit for political propaganda,” said Ms. Mbuga. “The people of Tanzania deserve objective journalism that helps them make informed decisions.”

Core Tenets of the Media Commitment

The joint declaration outlines several actionable commitments:

1. Fact‑Checking Protocols
   All media houses will implement standardized fact‑checking procedures before publishing content. A cross‑checking committee, comprising representatives from each participating outlet, will review contentious stories and ensure verification through multiple independent sources.

2. Balanced Coverage
   Editorial teams will provide equal airtime and space for opposing political viewpoints. For every campaign promise or policy proposal highlighted from a candidate or party, an equal or comparable counterpoint will be presented.

3. Transparency About Funding
   Media outlets will disclose any financial ties to political parties or interest groups. This includes sponsorships for coverage or editorial content. By making such relationships public, the public can better assess potential biases.

4. Rapid Response to Corrections
   A unified “Correction Hotline” will be established, allowing the public to flag inaccuracies in real time. All outlets agree to publish corrections promptly and prominently, ensuring that misinformation does not circulate unchecked.

5. Protection of Journalists
   Journalists will receive training on safe reporting practices in a politically charged environment. The media coalition will also lobby for stronger legal protections for reporters who face intimidation or harassment.

6. Public Accountability Meetings
   Quarterly forums will be held where the media coalition will present a summary of its adherence to the commitments and field questions from civil society groups and the general public.

International and Domestic Reactions

The media pledge has been met with a mix of support and skepticism. International watchdogs such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have lauded the initiative as a step toward greater press freedom. “It is encouraging to see media leaders take proactive steps to shield journalism from political coercion,” said CPJ’s director for Africa, Dr. Anil Mehta.

Conversely, some political actors have voiced concerns. The CCM’s spokesperson, Mr. Peter Mbe, remarked that the media’s neutrality might actually reduce the coverage of the government’s development achievements, which he argued are crucial for public perception. “We cannot afford to be portrayed as a mere ‘neutral entity’ that ignores progress made under our administration,” he said. Opposition figures, however, largely welcomed the commitment, viewing it as a safeguard against potential media suppression.

Implementation Challenges

While the pledges are commendable, the path to full implementation remains fraught with challenges. The media coalition acknowledges that financial pressures can influence editorial decisions. “Some of our outlets rely heavily on advertising revenue, which may inadvertently bias coverage toward advertisers’ interests,” noted Nyarumba. The coalition proposes a “media trust fund” that would provide financial support to outlets committed to unbiased reporting, thereby reducing commercial influence.

Another hurdle is the existing legal framework. The 2023 amendment to the Media and Communications Act, which grants authorities the power to issue fines for defamation, has been criticized as a tool to curb dissenting voices. The coalition has urged legislators to revisit the provisions that may stifle investigative journalism, especially in the run‑up to the election.

A Call for Citizen Engagement

In the final part of the joint statement, the media leaders called upon the citizens of Tanzania to hold the press accountable. They urged readers, listeners, and viewers to fact‑check information themselves, engage in discussions, and report any violations of the agreed-upon standards. “An informed citizenry is the backbone of a healthy democracy,” said Ms. Mbuga. “We ask that you watch, read, and listen critically.”

Looking Ahead

The media coalition’s pledge was signed on March 27, 2025, and will take effect immediately. As the election day approaches, the spotlight will increasingly turn to how effectively the media adheres to these commitments. For now, the statement serves as a reminder that, in a democratic society, the press must remain vigilant, independent, and accountable—especially when the nation's future hangs in the balance.

Original article published by The Citizen: https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/tanzanian-media-chiefs-vow-neutrality-amidst-election-tensions-5244172