The Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB) is planning regulatory reforms that could allow graduates of journalism, public relations and public communication programmes to obtain professional accreditation without first securing employment, in a move aimed at widening access to the media profession.
The proposed changes involve amendments to regulations under the Media Services Act, Cap. 229, and are expected to remove a key requirement that currently obliges applicants to submit an introduction letter from an employer, media house, institution or professional platform.
Speaking at a Media Freedom Conference hosted by the University of Dodoma (UDOM) on June 5, 2026, Acting Executive Director of the Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB), Advocate Patrick Kipangula, said the reforms are intended to make the accreditation system more inclusive and responsive to the realities of the modern media industry.
Presenting a paper titled “Media Freedom in the Digital Era: The Role of the Journalists Accreditation Board,” Mr Kipangula said the proposed amendments would enable graduates to obtain accreditation immediately after completing their studies, allowing them to enter the labour market and engage in professional media work without unnecessary administrative hurdles.
He noted that under the current framework, applicants must submit academic certificates alongside a recommendation or introduction letter from an employer or institution.
While the requirement was designed to verify professional engagement, it has proved challenging for many fresh graduates who meet academic qualifications but have not yet secured jobs in the industry.
According to Mr Kipangula, the planned review seeks to bridge that gap by recognising academic qualifications as a sufficient basis for accreditation at the entry level, thereby expanding opportunities for young professionals seeking to establish careers in journalism and communication.
The move comes at a time when the media landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, with digital platforms creating new avenues for content production, public engagement and independent journalism.
Industry stakeholders have increasingly called for regulatory frameworks that reflect these changes and support the participation of emerging professionals.
Mr Kipangula said the reforms would strengthen professionalism in the sector while ensuring that qualified graduates are not excluded from accreditation due to circumstances beyond their control.
Earlier, Head of the Department of Arts and Media Studies at UDOM, Dr Deograsia Ndunguru, called for stronger collaboration between the university and JAB, particularly in reviewing journalism curricula to keep pace with technological developments and changing industry demands.
She said closer cooperation between academic institutions and professional regulatory bodies would help ensure graduates acquire skills that match the evolving needs of the media and communications sector.
The conference brought together academics, media practitioners and students to discuss the state of media freedom in the digital age and the role of institutions in promoting professionalism, accountability and innovation within the industry.
