The Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) is an independent, voluntary, non-statutory self regulatory body established by the media fraternity on June 30th 1995 at the Journalists and Stakeholders’ Convention that was held in Dar es Salaam. Its operations however commenced on May 22nd 1997 when it was officially registered under the Societies Ordinance, 1954.
Mission Statement
To create an environment that enables a strong and ethical media that contributes towards a more democratic and just society.
Vision
A democratic Tanzania with a free, responsible and effective media.
The Objectives of the Council:
To promote, assist, safeguard and defend freedom of the media and allied forms of public communication in the United Republic of Tanzania;
To oversee that journalists, editors, broadcasters, producers, directors, proprietors and all those involved in the media industry in Tanzania adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards;
To receive and conciliate, mediate and or arbitrate upon complaints from the public and amongst the media inter se against alleged infringements of the Code of Ethics;
To encourage development of the media profession in Tanzania by undertaking activities including, but not limited to, training of journalists, overseeing press clubs development, to conduct various media freedom campaigns, seminars, workshops and/or symposia;
To maintain a register of developments likely to restrict the supply of information of public interest and importance, keep a review of the same, and investigate the conduct and attitude of persons, corporations and governmental bodies at all levels, towards the media, and make public reports on such investigations;
To involve members of the public in the work of the Council and constantly and reasonably keep them informed about its operations, views and decisions;
To promote and defend the interests of readers, viewers, and listeners;
To promote gender sensitivity, equality, equity in and balanced reporting and dissemination of information;
To raise funds for the purposes of the Council on such terms as are compatible with the autonomy of the Council and within the spirit of its mission and vision;
To publish papers, journals, newsletters and other materials to achieve these objectives; and
To do such other things as may be in the interest of the Council, the media and the public as may be necessary to achieve these objectives.