In November 2025, Tanzania will go to the polls. As the date draws near, so will the world’s attention to the electoral candidates, their proposals, their political parties, and the electoral procedures. Equally, scrutiny will intensify on the role of the media in covering the elections. Activists and political analysts—both local and international—will be on high alert for any signs of media repression, censorship, internet shutdowns, and violations of press freedoms. The government, on the other hand, will closely monitor the media for misinformation, disinformation, and potential incitement, enforcing regulations with penalties for those deemed to have crossed the line.
The media’s role in elections is not merely to inform; it is to shape narratives, influence public perception, and hold power to account. This is not unique to Tanzania—globally, the intersection of media and politics has been scrutinized, debated, and criticized. In democratic societies, the media plays a fundamental role in ensuring transparency, providing a platform for public discourse, and offering voters a fair and balanced view of candidates and policies. However, in politically sensitive environments, this role is often compromised by financial pressures, political influence, regulatory restrictions, and even self-censorship.
The 2024 U.S. elections provided a stark example of the media’s power and vulnerability. The rapid spread of misinformation, manipulated images, and sensationalized narratives demonstrated the growing challenge of ensuring credible journalism in the digital age. From misleading campaign ads to viral conspiracy theories, the media became both a battlefield and a weapon—raising concerns about its ability to safeguard democratic principles.
Closer to home, Tanzania’s 2020 elections revealed similar concerns. The University of Dar es Salaam’s Yearbook on Media Quality highlighted systemic bias in election coverage, noting that most media houses disproportionately favored the ruling party, CCM, while sidelining opposition voices. The report also found that political reporting lacked depth—journalists failed to critically engage with party manifestos or amplify voter concerns, particularly those of marginalized groups such as women and rural communities.
The 2025 elections will be a defining moment for Tanzanian media. More than just a conduit for information, it will be a subject of scrutiny itself—its credibility, independence, and professionalism put to the test. The media has the power to shape public discourse, influence policy debates, and foster an informed electorate. It also has the responsibility to challenge power, verify facts, and provide diverse perspectives.
A strong, independent, and professional media sector should exhibit:
- Editorial Independence – Free from political and commercial pressures that dictate content.
- Financial Sustainability – Supported by diverse revenue streams, not just government or donor funding.
- Diversity and Pluralism – Enabling multiple voices, perspectives, and ownership models.
- Public Service Orientation – Prioritizing the public interest over profit or political loyalty.
However, Tanzanian media faces significant structural and economic challenges. According to a report by the Tanzania Legal and Human Rights Center, 80% of journalists in Tanzania are freelance, lacking job security, insurance, or stable income. Many media houses rely on press releases from corporations and NGOs, publishing them verbatim without additional reporting—sometimes in exchange for undisclosed payments. These financial constraints create a fertile ground for media capture, where ownership, advertising, and government influence dictate news agendas.
The Problem of Media Capture
When scholars discuss media capture, they highlight the influence of corporate ownership, government regulation, and commercial interests in shaping news coverage. Political scientist Alina Mungiu-Pippidi defines media capture as a state where the media fails to be autonomous and independent, instead being used by vested interests for political or commercial gain. This results in a media ecosystem that is not free to fulfill its primary function: informing the public objectively.
The assumption that increasing competition and lowering barriers to entry would automatically improve media diversity and journalistic quality has not always held true. While more media outlets exist today than ever before, this has not necessarily translated into stronger press freedom. Instead, media capture takes multiple forms in transitioning societies—it is influenced not only by ownership monopolies and political buyouts, but also by regulatory constraints, financial instability, and systematic intimidation.
In Tanzania, media houses operate under a fragile economic model. The withdrawal of government advertising, once the backbone of private media revenue, has left many outlets struggling to survive. Meanwhile, alternative revenue sources—such as private sector advertising, crowdfunding, or digital subscriptions—remain underdeveloped. This financial vulnerability weakens editorial independence, making media organizations susceptible to external pressures, biased reporting, and self-censorship.
Media Chronicles: A Roadmap for Reform
This series of articles, Media Chronicles, aims to unpack the realities of Tanzania’s media landscape, examining its ownership structures, business models, professional challenges, and digital transformation. Each article provides a deep dive into critical issues facing the industry, including:
- Media Ownership and Political Influence – How conglomerates, politicians, and corporate interests shape media narratives.
- Lack of Media Agenda and Specialization – The struggle to focus on key issues, leading to fragmented coverage.
- Gender Inequality in Media – The systemic exclusion of women from leadership, decision-making, and content creation.
- Business Disruption in the Media – How financial instability threatens the survival of independent journalism.
- Technology Disruption and the Future of Media – How digital platforms are transforming news consumption and revenue models.
These articles are not just an academic exercise—they are a call to action. They highlight the need for policy reforms, media ownership transparency, and new funding strategies that can safeguard the future of Tanzanian journalism. They also underscore the importance of media innovation, particularly in digital platforms, where new business models could provide long-term sustainability.
The Path Forward
Tanzania’s media stands at a crossroads. It can either continue along the path of media capture, censorship, and financial instability, or it can embrace a new model—one that prioritizes independent journalism, technological innovation, and audience trust. The choice is ours.
Media Chronicles aims to spark a national conversation on how we can reclaim and strengthen independent media in Tanzania.
It is time for journalists, media owners, policymakers, and the public to engage in serious dialogue about the future of media. If the media is indeed the “fourth estate,” then it must rise to its responsibility—not just as a witness to history, but as a guardian of truth and accountability.
The next few years will determine the trajectory of Tanzanian media. Will it remain a tool of power or a voice for the people?
This series invites you to be part of the conversation. Let’s shape the future of Tanzanian media—together.