The Vice-Chairman of the Union of Press Clubs of Tanzania (UTPC), Ms Jane Mihanji, said here that the
formation of the regulatory body will not only ensure improved media operation but was also crucial for
true freedom of the press.
She was speaking at a joint press conference organised by media organs to announce the marking of the
World Press Freedom Day that is celebrated nationwide here today. She said the possibility of having the
regulatory body for the first time in the country has already received a green light from the government.
"We spoke to the new Minister responsible for information and media operations, Mr Nape Nnauye, on the
need of having this body just like other professions and he pledged to address the matter in the ongoing
reforms," she said.
According to Ms Mihanji, the commemorations of the World Press Freedom Day will be attended by the
government Minister for the first time since such commemorations started three years back.
Other issues to be addressed during the two days event will include the status of the Information Bill and
Media Service Bill with the media fraternity hoping the two Bills will finally sail through this year.
On his side, the Secretary of the Tanzania Editors’ Forum, Mr Neville Meena, said other businesses to be
discussed will include evaluating the policies of the new government under President John Magufuli who
promised to support the movement of the media during his presidential campaign last year.
He said, however, that despite last general elections being so tense it left media practitioners safe,
something which is different from other countries whose elections leave journalists dying and badly
injured.
The commemorations for this year will be attended by more than 250 guests and representatives from the
media industry and will be graced by the Chief Justice, Othman Chande.
