Tanzanian National Assembly

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National Assembly

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Structure: Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) - 365 Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) - 20 Chama cha Wazalendo (ACT) - 4 Chama Cha Wananchi (CUF) -3 Attorney General - 1

 

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Legislation​

Legislation Passed	Legislation In Debate	Legislation Proposed
	Tanzania Media Independence and Journalist Protection Bill

 

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Tanzania Media Independence and Journalist Protection Bill​

An Act to guarantee media freedom, safeguard the rights and safety of journalists, and ensure the independence of media institutions from political and governmental interference.

PART I: PRELIMINARY
1. Short Title and Commencement
This Act may be cited as the Media Independence and Journalist Protection Act, 2025, and shall come into force on such date as the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, appoint.

2. Interpretation
In this Act—

"Media organisation" means any entity engaged in journalism, including broadcasters, newspapers, online news platforms, and press agencies.

"Journalist" means any individual who collects, writes, edits, or distributes news or commentary on public affairs.

"Political actor" includes any person holding political office, member of a political party, or candidate for public office.

"Governmental influence" includes direct or indirect control, financial influence, or editorial interference.

PART II: RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
3. Freedom of the Press and Expression
(1) Every person shall have the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press, as guaranteed under Article 18 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.
(2) This right includes freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

4. Editorial Independence
(1) Media organisations shall operate free from interference by governmental bodies or political actors.
(2) No person in government or any political organisation shall direct, coerce, or otherwise influence the editorial content of any media outlet.
(3) Any such interference shall constitute a criminal offence punishable under this Act.

PART III: INSTITUTIONAL SAFEGUARDS
5. Independent Media Regulatory Authority
(1) There shall be established an independent Media Standards and Independence Authority (MSIA).
(2) The MSIA shall—

(a) Monitor and report on violations of media freedom;​

(b) Enforce ethical standards without curtailing freedom of the press;​

(c) Be composed of individuals independent from government and political parties.​

(3) Appointments to the MSIA shall require approval by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly to ensure non-partisanship.​

6. Public Broadcasting
(1) All state-funded media shall operate under a Public Charter guaranteeing independence from government.
(2) State broadcasters shall be overseen by an independent board with members drawn from civil society, academia, and the journalistic profession.
(3) The board shall be legally protected from ministerial direction or budgetary manipulation for editorial purposes.

PART IV: PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS
7. Safety and Protection of Journalists
(1) The State shall have a duty to protect journalists from harassment, violence, threats, and arbitrary arrest.
(2) Any act of violence, intimidation, or undue surveillance of journalists shall be a criminal offence.
(3) The Tanzania Police Force shall establish a dedicated Journalist Protection Unit.

8. Source Confidentiality and Whistleblower Protection
(1) Journalists shall have the right to protect the confidentiality of their sources.
(2) No court or authority may compel disclosure of a journalistic source unless it is strictly necessary, proportionate, and ordered by a High Court in the interests of justice.
(3) Whistleblowers disclosing information in the public interest to journalists shall be protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act.

PART V: TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
9. Political Non-Ownership of Media
(1) No political party, elected official, or candidate for public office shall own, finance, or hold a controlling interest in a media organisation.
(2) Existing interests shall be divested within 12 months of this Act coming into force.

10. Transparency of Media Ownership
(1) All media organisations shall publicly disclose their beneficial ownership, funding sources, and any political affiliations.
(2) The MSIA shall maintain a publicly accessible register of media ownership.

PART VI: ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
11. Offences and Penalties
(1) Any person found guilty of breaching editorial independence or attempting to exert improper influence shall be liable—
(a) On summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding TZS 50 million or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years;
(b) On conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding TZS 200 million or imprisonment not exceeding 5 years.
(2) Repeat offences may lead to disqualification from public office for a period of up to 10 years.

12. Civil Remedies
Journalists and media organisations may apply to the High Court for declaratory relief, injunctions, or damages in respect of violations of their rights under this Act.

PART VII: MISCELLANEOUS
13. International Obligations
In interpreting and applying this Act, courts and public bodies shall have regard to international legal instruments ratified by Tanzania.

14. Review and Reporting
The MSIA shall publish an annual report on the state of media freedom, journalist safety, and political interference in Tanzania, to be submitted to Parliament and made publicly available.