Journalists in Tanzania have been urged to invest more in education, training, and self-learning in order to strengthen their capacity for analytical reporting that promotes development-oriented discussions and constructive criticism for the benefit of society.
The call was made on June 16, 2026 by the Acting Director General of the Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB), Advocate Patrick Kipangula, while speaking during the Hello Tanzania programme aired on Uhuru FM.
He emphasized that the growth of the media sector depends largely on journalists who are capable of deeply analysing issues, presenting them accurately, and upholding professionalism and accountability.
Kipangula noted that one of the key objectives of JAB’s five-year strategic plan is to strengthen journalism as a profession, improve the welfare of journalists, and build their capacity to compete effectively with other professional fields both within and outside Tanzania.
He stressed that for Tanzania to reach international standards in journalism, there must be a strong foundation of continuous education and professional training that produces journalists who are capable of conducting in-depth analysis, asking the right questions, and offering criticism that is aimed at building rather than destroying.
According to him, the legal framework of the country provides room for journalists to criticize policies, systems, and the performance of various institutions, including government bodies.
However, he insisted that such criticism must be grounded in truth, ethical standards, and public interest, and must not degenerate into insults, mockery, or content that undermines human dignity.
He further explained that analytical journalism plays a critical role in promoting institutional accountability and transparency, but it requires strong professional skills, thorough research, and a broad understanding of social, economic, and political issues in order to be meaningful and impactful to the public.
Kipangula also highlighted that the rapidly changing media environment, driven by digital transformation, demands journalists who are adaptable, well-informed, and continuously upgrading their skills to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive industry.
On her part, broadcaster Lilian Madelemo from Uhuru FM said that since the establishment of Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB), journalists and broadcasters have become more disciplined and attentive to professional ethics in the execution of their duties.
She noted that this improvement has strengthened confidence within media houses and reduced conflicts that may arise from breaches of professional standards, contributing to a more stable and responsible media environment in the country.
Madelemo added that media institutions have a crucial responsibility to continue building the capacity of journalists so that they can keep pace with technological advancements and the evolving demands of a digital and highly competitive media landscape.
Overall, stakeholders in the media sector continue to emphasize that analytical journalism is essential for fostering development, informing the public, and strengthening accountability across all levels of society.
