TANZANIA Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), has fined two radio stations, including a Dar es Salaam based Entertainment fm (Efm) for violating content regulations, warning that stern action will be taken against the electronic media if they go against the regulations.
TCRA’s Content Committee Chairperson,
Engineer Margaret Munyagi, said in Dar es Salaam that the two radio
stations violated the regulations in January, saying Efm violated the
laws on January 4 while the other radio station in question, Kahama fm
did so on January 10.
Reading the ruling on Efm, Ms Munyagi,
said the radio station has been fined 1m/- for airing its ‘Joto la
Asubuhi’ magazine programme in a ‘Sala ya Siku’ (prayers of the Day)
segment with content aimed at promoting theft and incitement, among
others.
“The programme host, who introduced
himself as ‘Baba Mchungaji’ was heard as praying that thieves should be
more creative this year while committing the crime and that those young
people who are still bachelors should be given partners by land lords
while renting,” she said.
Ms Munyagi explained that the radio
station had violated the Content Act of 2005 which stipulates that every
licensee shall ensure that the programme and its presentation uphold
national values.
“The content committee assessed the
measures which have been taken by Efm management including scrapping the
Sala ya Asubuhi segment and it has decided that there should be close
monitoring on broadcasting,” she observed.
As for Kahama fm, the Content Committee
Chairperson, said the community radio was fined 200,000/- for discussing
benefits and challenges on prostitution on its ‘Wanawake’ programme
from 9:00 am to 12:00 am.
“A programme host conducted interview
with a sex worker focused on advantage and disadvantage of the activity.
Airing such programme in the morning could encourage young people to
venture into business,” she said.
Ms Munyagi pointed out the right to
appeal was open to both radio stations within 30 days since the verdict
was delivered. Head of Programmes at Efm, Mr Dickson Ponela, said he was
going to meet with his management to discuss the ruling, saying the
management would decide on whether to appeal or not.
Kahama Radio Station Manager, Mr Michael
Mipawa, said he was satisfied with the ruling and that he will not
appeal, saying his radio station aired the interview with a sex worker
to save the public from AIDS/HIV.
“Our intention was not to violate the
laws but to educate our audience on AIDS/HIV ,” said Mr Mipawa, who also
doubles as news editor at the station
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