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The Tanzania Independent Editors Forum (JUWATA) and the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC) have agreed to strengthen cooperation in protecting media freedom, defending journalists’ rights and improving the flow of accurate and timely information to the public.
The commitment was reached during a joint meeting between leaders of the two organisations held at UTPC offices in Uzunguni, Dodoma, where they discussed challenges facing journalists and the wider media industry.
The two organisations said closer collaboration among media stakeholders was necessary to address challenges affecting journalists’ working environment while ensuring the media continues to play its critical role of informing, educating and holding institutions accountable.
The discussions placed particular emphasis on protecting journalists’ rights and interests, promoting media freedom and strengthening professional standards in the industry.
The leaders said a stronger and more united media sector would not only benefit journalists but also the public, which depends on credible and timely information to make informed decisions and participate effectively in national affairs.
“Unity, cooperation and mutual respect among media stakeholders are important in building a strong, professional and accountable media sector,” the organisations said.
The partnership will also seek to promote constructive engagement between media organisations and institutions involved in the development and regulation of the sector.
UTPC has 28 press clubs representing journalists across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, giving it a broad network for engaging journalists and addressing issues affecting them at the grassroots level.
The JUWATA delegation was led by Chairman Richard Mwaikenda and Vice Chairman Sylivester Ngombaniza.
UTPC was represented by Executive Director Kenneth Simbaya, Resource Monitoring Programme Officer Andrew Malawiti, Acting Finance Officer Winfrida Madeni and Assistant Programme Officer Edmund Kapungu.
JUWATA said its establishment was aimed at bringing together editors who meet its membership requirements to strengthen collective efforts to protect the rights and interests of journalists while contributing to the wider interests of society.
The organisation said it would operate within its constitution, regulations and the laws governing Tanzania’s media sector.
It also clarified that it was not created to compete with or confront other media organisations.
Instead, JUWATA said it sought to build cooperation, solidarity and positive working relationships with media institutions and stakeholders in Tanzania and beyond.
For the public, stronger collaboration among media organisations could help improve access to reliable information, particularly on issues affecting citizens’ daily lives, public services, governance and accountability.
The two organisations said continued dialogue and cooperation would be essential in addressing challenges facing journalists while building a media sector that is professional, independent and accountable to the public interest.