By Veronica Mrema
After spending nearly 16 months outside the formal media accreditation system, veteran journalists in Tanzania are now expected to regain official recognition through the introduction of Lifetime Accreditation.
The accreditation system was established under the Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB), which was created in accordance with the Media Services Act of 2016. Among other provisions, the law introduced professional qualification requirements for journalists seeking accreditation.
However, some veteran journalists did not meet the required academic qualifications and consequently remained outside the formal accreditation framework. They are now set to be recognized following the launch of the Legal Guidelines for the Award of Lifetime Accreditation.
The guidelines, developed by the Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB), establish a framework for recognizing journalists who have served the nation and the media industry with distinction over many years.
Eligible beneficiaries must have made a significant contribution to the development of journalism in Tanzania before the Media Services Act came into force in 2016.
According to JAB, the guidelines were developed under the provisions of the Media Services Act, Chapter 229, together with its accompanying regulations.
They are intended to recognize journalists who were aged 50 years or older when the Act came into force and who had already built distinguished careers and made substantial contributions to the profession.
Speaking through a speech delivered on his behalf by Dr. Egbert Mkoko during JAB Day celebrations held at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba), JAB Chairperson Tido Mhando said the guidelines do not waive the professional requirements established under the law.
"Rather, they implement the Board's legal mandate to grant Lifetime Accreditation to journalists with distinguished service and exceptional contributions to the development of the media sector," he said.
He added that the framework will help preserve the history of journalism in Tanzania while ensuring that the experience and expertise of veteran journalists remain part of the profession's legacy.
"It also pays tribute to the generation that laid the foundation for the development of journalism in the country," he said.
Mhando emphasized that the award of Lifetime Accreditation neither removes nor relaxes the core requirements set out in the Media Services Act for obtaining journalists' accreditation.
"Instead, it implements the legal mandate granted to JAB to recognize individuals with distinguished service and exceptional contributions to the development of the media sector," he said.
He also commended the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports for its continued support in enabling the Board to carry out its responsibilities.
"That cooperation has strengthened the accreditation system while promoting professionalism, accountability and ethical standards within the journalism profession," he said.
JAB Acting Director General, Advocate Patrick Kipangula, described the launch of the guidelines as a significant milestone in the implementation of the Media Services Act.
He said the move reflects the Board's commitment to ensuring that the accreditation system recognizes the contributions of veteran journalists while continuing to uphold professional standards.
According to Kipangula, veteran journalists have played a pivotal role in the growth of Tanzania's media sector and deserve recognition for their integrity, patriotism and professionalism throughout their careers.
Alongside the launch of the guidelines, JAB hosted a dialogue that brought together journalists, editors and other stakeholders in the media industry to discuss the implementation of the Media Services Act.
Participants also reviewed achievements recorded during the first year of the accreditation system, as well as challenges that need to be addressed to further strengthen journalism in Tanzania.
The launch of the Legal Guidelines for Lifetime Accreditation has been described as an important step toward ensuring that the history and contributions of veteran journalists continue to be recognized.
It is also expected to build a bridge between the new accreditation system and the generation of journalists who laid the foundation for and helped shape the journalism profession in Tanzania.
Chapisha Maoni