The Broadcasting Services Act, 1993

The Broadcasting Services Act regulates broadcasting in mainland Tanzania. Article 4 of the Act provides for the establishment of the Tanzania Broadcasting Commission. Its main responsibilities are to issue licences to private broadcasters and to supervise programme content and compliance with licensing conditions. The Act does not guarantee the independence of the TBC's governing body nor freedom from government interference in editorial policy or decision-making.

In awarding licences, Article 11(3) (d) allows the TBC to specify the geographical coverage of a broadcasting licensee. The TBC has until now used this power to allow only government-owned radio and television stations to broadcast on a national basis.

Article 25 of the Act relates to national security. It allows the Minister to censor
material deemed to be a threat to national securit or against the public interest. However, these terms are not defined.

Article 13(3) provides essentially a code of conduct for broadcasters. Amongst other
requirements, licensees must:

- present news and current affairs factually, accurately and impartially;

- present a wide range of programming to reflect Tanzanian and Africa expression;

- serve the needs of and reflect Tanzanian society; and

-disclose the name of the producer at the end of a programme.

Article 9(3) of the Broadcasting Services Act of 1993 sets out provisions limiting concentration of media ownership.

Under Article 10, broadcasting licences may be held only by a citizen of Tanzania or by a company in which at least 51% of shareholding is held by Tanzanian citizens.