Tanzanian govt warns media houses against employing unqualified professionals

The Tanzanian government on Saturday issued a stern warning to media houses against employing unqualified professionals to practice journalism in the country.

In an advert placed on a Tanzanian daily, Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA) noted that radio and television stations in particular were hiring unqualified personel.

”The Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority reminds media owners to adhere to the licensing laws and ensure that journalists meet the set educational qualifications,” the regulator warned.

According to the country’s media laws, one requires a minimum of a diploma in journalism or any media related course to be qualified as a journalist.

However, TCRA claims that media houses are hiring people that do not meet the laid out criteria, a situation that the regulator argues is causing them to breech the ethical guidelines of journalism in their work.

Media graduates, BBC reports have also lamented that they are missing out on job opportunities which they say are given to DJs and comedians who have very little knowledge of the values and ethical guidelines of the profession.

Some journalists have also lauded the government for their cause of action, supporting their recent statement on the practice of journalism.

Appearing to address the unqualified individuals, one of the journalists urged them to get the necessary education if they wish to be scribes.

TCRA has also owned media owners that it will take legal action on media houses that do not heed the warning including fining them ore revoking their licenses.