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The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has released its 2025/2026 broadcasting sector survey, confirming that radio continues to be the primary source of news and entertainment for most Tanzanians.
The survey shows that 85% of media consumers rely on radio, while television and internet platforms are rapidly gaining ground, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.
Speaking at the presentation of the findings, TCRA Engineer Andrew Kisakawa said that in television, 65% of viewers now access content via digital decoders (DTT and DTH).
The research also found that 70% of viewers prefer locally produced content over international programming, highlighting growing opportunities for domestic content creators to innovate in a competitive market.
The survey further identified challenges for broadcasters, including rising operational costs and changing consumer habits. Increasingly, Tanzanians especially the youth turn to smartphones for news.
Forty-five percent of young respondents reported accessing news on social media before tuning in to radio or television, underscoring the importance of investing in digital platforms.
In terms of service quality, TCRA noted that radio reception in rural areas remains limited, with only 40% of peripheral regions enjoying reliable 24-hour coverage.
The authority has pledged to use the survey results to strengthen broadcasting regulations and policies, ensuring the sector contributes fully to Tanzania’s digital economy while safeguarding citizens’ right to information nationwide.