By Veronica Mrema
The accreditation system for journalists has started to bring changes in the media industry by strengthening professionalism, accountability and restoring the dignity of journalism in the country.
Following these positive developments, journalists who have not yet met the professional requirements needed to obtain accreditation have been urged to continue pursuing further education in order to meet the required standards.
The remarks were made by media stakeholders during a discussion held on JAB Day at the Sabasaba grounds, within the pavilion of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports.
The Media Services Act was passed at the end of 2015 and came into effect in 2016, alongside its regulations issued in 2017.
The move laid the foundation for the establishment of a formal accreditation system for journalists.
"It laid the foundation for identifying who qualifies as a journalist and the requirements they must meet," said Deodatus Balile while speaking during the discussion.
Balile, who is also the Chairperson of the Tanzania Editors Forum [TEF], said the law led to the establishment of the Journalists Accreditation Board [JAB], which was given the responsibility of overseeing the accreditation system for journalists who meet the required criteria.
"Since then, water and oil started separating," Balile said.
He explained that the system has created a distinction between journalists who perform their duties based on professional principles and individuals involved in disseminating information without professional training.
Using examples from other professions, Balile said not everyone can fly an aircraft simply because they have a talent for it, nor can everyone provide medical services without studying the relevant profession.
He said journalism should also be given the same recognition by ensuring that those working in the profession possess the necessary education and skills.
"Anyone who wants to work in journalism should go and study," he insisted.
ACCOUNTABILITY
The Editor-in-Chief of Nipashe, Salome Kitomary, said the establishment of JAB has helped reduce unprofessional practices within the media sector.
She said JAB has contributed to strengthening accountability, from media owners to journalists themselves.
"From media owners to journalists themselves in their daily professional responsibilities," she said.
She said education plays a critical role in building journalists' capacity to conduct broader analysis of various issues and produce more in-depth and quality stories.
"You cannot compare the ability of someone who has undergone formal training with someone who has not received professional foundations," she said.
However, Salome stressed that while maintaining professional standards, it is also important to address the economic sustainability of media organizations.
She said stronger media institutions will have the capacity to employ qualified professionals and provide workers with benefits that correspond to their responsibilities.
She added that economically stable media organizations have a greater opportunity to invest in training, improve working environments and enable journalists to perform their duties with independence and professionalism.
"It is important to strengthen the operating environment of media organizations so that they can effectively fulfil their responsibilities," she said.
MCL Editor Lilian Timbuka said the accreditation system has contributed to restoring the respect of journalism by ensuring that everyone understands their responsibilities within newsrooms.
She said some journalists who had not met the required qualifications have returned to colleges to further their education and obtain the necessary credentials.
THE FUTURE OF MEDIA INDUSTRY
Despite efforts to strengthen professional standards, Media Brains Editor Jesse Kwayu said the contribution of veteran journalists should not be overlooked.
He said the group played a significant role in building the foundations of journalism in Tanzania and mentoring many journalists who are currently serving in the industry.
He described the experience of veteran journalists as an important resource that should continue to be used in strengthening the next generation of journalists.
Beyond recognising their contribution, Kwayu said there is also a need to improve the working environment for journalists, particularly those involved in investigative reporting.
He said digital platforms have created new opportunities for journalists to access areas and information that were previously difficult to reach.
He emphasised that technology should be used to increase accountability, efficiency and productivity in journalism.
PROFFESIONALISM
The Chairperson of the Dar es Salaam Press Club [DAR-PC], Bakari Kimwanga, urged journalists who have not yet met professional requirements to return to college and continue their education.
Contributing during the discussion, Kimwanga said journalists should view education as a tool for improving their professional capacity rather than a barrier to performing their duties.
He said diploma-level training and above can help journalists enhance their skills, strengthen professionalism and meet the qualifications required under the current accreditation system.
The view was supported by Elius Msuya, who stressed that anyone aspiring to become a journalist in Tanzania should pursue journalism studies.
"It is possible. When I joined the newsroom, I only had a certificate. I continued studying while working until I reached a degree level, and others followed the same path after me," he said.
STANDARDS
Alongside the discussion, the Legal Guidelines for Issuing Lifetime Accreditation to Veteran Journalists were launched by the Journalists Accreditation Board [JAB].
The launch of the guidelines is an important step in implementing the Media Services Act and demonstrates JAB’s commitment to maintaining professional standards in journalism.
Through the guidelines, JAB recognises and appreciates the contribution of veteran journalists who have served the nation with commitment, patriotism and professionalism.
JAB Chairperson, Mr Tido Mhando, said the guidelines were developed in accordance with the authority granted to the Board under the Media Services Act, Cap 229 and its regulations.
He said the purpose of the guidelines is to establish a framework for recognising veteran journalists who have made exceptional contributions to the development of journalism.
He added that the guidelines aim to ensure the history and experience of these journalists remain part of the country’s media heritage.
The guidelines apply to journalists who, when the Media Services Act came into force in 2016, were aged 50 years or above.
They include journalists who had already built a history of service in the profession but did not have the opportunity to attain some of the academic qualifications required under the law.
He emphasised that the issuance of Lifetime Accreditation does not remove or reduce the basic requirements established by the Media Services Act regarding journalist accreditation.
"Rather, it is the implementation of the authority granted by the law to JAB to recognise individuals with distinguished service and exceptional contributions to the development of the media sector," he said.
JAB Director General, Advocate Patrick Kipangula, said the Board will maintain its position in ensuring that individuals working in the media industry meet professional and legal requirements.
He said JAB has started conducting inspections across regions to verify that journalists currently working in the sector comply with the established requirements.
"We have started conducting inspections region by region. We have already reached Dodoma, Iringa and Morogoro to ensure that those working in the industry meet professional and legal standards," he said.
He said accreditation decisions are based on verification of applicants’ qualifications and requirements, despite the growing amount of information being produced through social media platforms.
He added that individuals who do not meet the required qualifications cannot return to journalism or broadcasting activities until they fulfil the necessary conditions.
The accreditation system continues to create an environment where the media sector will have qualified professionals, while preserving the history and contributions of those who built the foundation of journalism in Tanzania.
Chapisha Maoni