The growing use of technology in newsrooms must not come at the expense of accuracy, accountability and other professional standards, the Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB) has warned.
JAB acting Director General Patrick Kipangula said the speed at which information can now be gathered and shared should not encourage journalists to publish unverified or false information.
He said journalists remained responsible for ensuring that their work complied with the law and professional standards, regardless of the tools they use to gather and disseminate information.
“As journalists, you have a responsibility to uphold professional standards by observing the law, avoiding false information and refraining from criminal offences,” Mr Kipangula said.
He was speaking during a two-day training for journalists from EFM and TVE held at the JAB offices in Dar es Salaam on September 9 and 10, 2026.
The warning comes as digital platforms, social media and other technologies continue to change the way news is produced and consumed, with journalists able to reach audiences almost instantly.
While the technology has made news production faster and expanded access to information, it has also increased the risk of inaccurate reports reaching the public before facts are properly verified.
Mr Kipangula said journalists should therefore continue to place professional ethics and the law at the centre of their work.
EFM Assistant Head of Programmes Evalist Razeck called on media owners to invest in regular training for journalists, saying continuous professional development was necessary to maintain standards in a rapidly changing media environment.
He said training would help journalists improve their ability to gather, verify and present information that serves the public interest.
EFM presenter Fatuma Muhidini Likwata said the training had strengthened her understanding of journalism ethics and professional standards.
“The training reminded us of the importance of observing ethics and professional standards at every stage of our work, from gathering information to delivering it to the public accurately and responsibly,” she said.
The training covered the Media Services Act, journalism ethics and patriotism in broadcasting.
JAB said the programme was part of its mandate to build journalists’ capacity and promote professionalism, ethical conduct and adherence to journalism standards.