Wasafi Media Director and award-winning artiste Naseeb Abdul, popularly known as Diamond Platnumz, has praised the Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB) for enforcing its mandate in line with the Media Services Act, pledging that his media outlets will fully comply with all legal requirements governing the sector.
Speaking after visiting JAB offices to seek clarification on regulatory and legal issues, Diamond said Wasafi Media has no intention of circumventing the law and is ready to cooperate fully with authorities overseeing the journalism profession.
He said while the Media Services Act has had varying impacts on media houses, it remains binding, noting that stakeholders were given adequate time to prepare and meet stipulated requirements, including the minimum academic qualification of a diploma for journalists.
Diamond acknowledged that the establishment of JAB has enhanced discipline within the profession, adding that Wasafi Media supports government efforts to strengthen professionalism, ethics and accountability in the media industry.
“We do not want to evade the law. There is no way you can break the law and remain safe. We have ensured compliance among all our employees, and on this issue I am not joking,” he said.
He added that he had previously received conflicting interpretations of the Media Services Act, but following detailed explanations from the board, he now has a clearer understanding of the government’s intention to professionalise the sector.
He also commended the government for its tolerance in providing a lengthy transitional period for journalists and media institutions to comply.
Diamond further welcomed remarks by the minister responsible for the sector describing the board as a guardian of journalists, saying his visit had convinced him that JAB exists to protect and nurture the profession rather than to stifle it.
“I openly admit that the board is a guardian of journalists. After understanding the law properly, there is no reason to oppose it. My staff have already taken steps and returned to colleges,” he said,underscoring the importance of constructive engagement between media stakeholders and regulators.
For his part, Acting JAB Director General Patrick Kipangula said the Media Services Act was enacted in 2016 and initially provided a five-year transitional period, which was later extended by two years and subsequently by a further three years, bringing the total to 10 years.
He said the government believes the period was sufficient for journalists and media stakeholders to meet legal requirements, a move aimed at building a professional, ethical and respected journalism sector in the country.
The engagement comes amid continued efforts by authorities to ensure compliance with media laws as Tanzania pushes to raise professional standards across the industry.