DIGITAL BOOST: Government Slashes Licensing Fees for Bloggers, TCRA Launches Modern ‘DSB’ Radio Technology




The Government has announced a historic relief for bloggers, young digital innovators, and online content creators across the country by significantly reducing licensing fees, a move aimed at accelerating the growth of the digital economy and formalizing online media activities.

The decision follows nearly a year of in-depth research and strategic engagements between the Tanzania Bloggers Network (TBN) and the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), which highlighted the financial barriers that had been hindering the growth of digital journalism in the country.

Speaking during the opening of the Annual Broadcasting Service Providers Conference (ABC 2026) in Dodoma today, the Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hon. Hamisi Mwinjuma, announced that the license fee for online content providers has been reduced from TSh 500,000 to just TSh 50,000, while the application fee has been set at only TSh 10,000.

The reforms have also benefited Online Content Aggregators, whose license fees have been reduced from TSh 1,000,000 to TSh 100,000. Additionally, a new “Amateur” category has been introduced to allow emerging young creators to formally register and develop their talents without facing financial constraints.

Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) Technology Revolution

Alongside the announcement, TCRA Director General Dr. Jabiri Bakari unveiled the rollout of a new digital radio broadcasting technology known as Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB).

The technology will initially be piloted in five regions — Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mwanza, Arusha, and Mbeya — with the aim of enhancing sound quality and expanding broadcasting services nationwide.

“We have completed all regulatory preparations, and infrastructure service providers are already in place. This marks a significant step toward aligning with global technological advancements and strengthening broadcasting services, particularly in rural areas,” said Dr. Bakari.

Study: Radio Remains Dominant

During the conference, TCRA Engineer Andrew Kisaka presented findings from the 2025/2026 Broadcasting Sector Status Report, which revealed that radio remains the leading source of information for 85 percent of Tanzanians.

However, the study also indicates significant growth in internet usage among young people, with 45 percent accessing news through social media before listening to radio or watching television.

On the television front, the report shows that 65 percent of viewers use decoders, while locally produced content remains the most preferred, accounting for 70 percent of viewership. The Government has urged local broadcasters to invest more in digital platforms, including Over-The-Top (OTT) services, to meet the evolving demands of the market.

Copyright Protection and Financial Support

To ensure digital journalists and content creators benefit from their work, the Government has directed COSOTA and TCRA to develop a comprehensive framework to protect copyrights and curb online piracy.

Additionally, the Government has begun offering soft loans to content creators to enable them to purchase modern production equipment.

As of December 2025, TCRA had issued a total of 707 broadcasting licenses, including 318 for online content services — a development seen as a sign of expanding media freedom and democratic growth under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

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