Journalists and broadcasters have been urged to prioritise their personal safety and security while executing their duties, with media leaders stressing that no story is worth risking human life.
The call was made on July 4, 2026, in Morogoro during a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme bringing together journalists from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, who are being equipped to later train their colleagues across the country.
This session is part of Empowering Journalists for Informed Communities, a joint project by UTPC, IMS & JamiiAfrica and funded by the European Union.
Speaking during a session on safety and security for journalists, the National Chairperson of the Journalists Trade Union of Tanzania, Mussa Juma, said reporters must always assess risks before engaging in assignments, particularly those involving conflict situations, political events, protests and other potentially volatile environments.
He stressed that failure to observe basic safety procedures has contributed to many cases in which journalists have been harmed while on duty.
According to him, some of the affected reporters often work in isolation, lack proper preparation, or ignore safety protocols that are essential in high-risk reporting.
Juma further emphasized the importance of neutrality in journalism, noting that taking sides in a conflict not only compromises professionalism but also increases exposure to danger.
He advised journalists to always plan their assignments carefully, ensure they are not working alone, and maintain constant communication with editors or fellow reporters.
He also called for stronger coordination with relevant stakeholders, including human rights actors, to ensure rapid support in case of emergencies.
“Whenever you are going to cover sensitive stories such as conflicts, political gatherings or demonstrations, you must be fully prepared. Do not go alone. Maintain communication with your editor or another journalist, and ensure there are people who can support you if anything happens,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs, Kenneth Simbaya, urged participants to take the training seriously, noting that they carry the responsibility of cascading the knowledge to other journalists across the country.
He said the programme is not only about professional development but also about strengthening newsroom safety culture, including digital security, mental wellbeing, and responsible use of online platforms.
The training is being implemented by Union of Tanzania Press Clubs in collaboration with International Media Support and JamiiAfrica, with financial support from the European Union as part of a broader initiative aimed at empowering journalists to serve society more safely and effectively.
More than 30 journalists from across the country are participating in the programme, and upon completion, they are expected to train others in their respective regions, expanding awareness on safety, ethics and resilience in journalism practice.
