Accreditation Cited as Key to Strengthening Trust in the Media Sector and Broadcasting Economy

By Our Reporter

The Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB) has stated that the implementation of an accreditation system for journalists and broadcasters in the country is a strategic step toward strengthening credibility, professionalism, and competitiveness within the media sector in today’s information-driven economy that depends on accurate and reliable content.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of Broadcasters (ABC) held on February 13, 2026, in Dodoma, Acting Director General of JAB, Advocate Patrick Kipangula, said the accreditation framework aims to build a profession grounded in strong professional standards, ethics, and accountability in accordance with the Media Services Act, Chapter 229.

According to Advocate Kipangula, accreditation is not a tool for content control, but rather a mechanism for setting standards that safeguard the integrity of the profession and enhance public trust in media institutions. He emphasized that in the current digital competitive environment, the credibility of a news source is the most valuable asset for any media outlet.

He further noted that broadcasting institutions investing in the professionalism of their human resources position themselves more favorably to attract investors, advertising revenue, and international partnerships, as the media market increasingly values quality and accountability.

Stakeholders at the meeting, which was organized by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority, underscored that collaboration between content regulators and industry players is a critical pillar in building a strong sector that drives economic and social development.

The move to strengthen accreditation is viewed as part of the Government’s broader strategy to promote creative and communication professions in line with national and international standards, while ensuring that the media sector remains a pillar of transparency, accountability, and sustainable development.

More than 3,200 out of 3,900 journalists who applied for Press Cards have been accredited after meeting legal requirements, demonstrating a positive response from stakeholders and the sector’s readiness to enhance professional standards.