ITV to go live on Bunge coverage
The government yesterday gave Independent Television (ITV) the green light to cover parliamentary sessions in Dodoma live.
By Judica Tarimo
The government yesterday gave Independent Television (ITV) the green light to cover parliamentary sessions in Dodoma live.
Previously, only the state-owned TVT and the Mwanza-based Star TV had permission to do so.
The Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Sports, Daniel Nsanzugwanko, made the announcement during a tour of IPP media outlets by members of the Parliamentary Committee on Social Welfare and Community Development, led by Peramiho legislator Jenista Mhagama.
The ministers revelation followed questions from committee members who had wanted to know why ITV was not covering Bunge sessions live, at least the hour-long question-and-answer part.
Elaborating, the minister said the situation resulted mainly from differences of opinion among state agencies and legislators which have since been resolved.
I agree that there was some confusion in the past over ITV live coverage of Bunge sessionsbut those contradictions have now been resolved, confirmed Nsanzugwanko.
In response to the MPs` concern, IPP Executive Chairman Reginald Mengi said ITV has a wide coverage capacity but could not cover the said sessions live because of some problems the station faced in the course of seeking permission to do so.
Following the deputy ministers announcement, Mengi assured the nation that ITV would swing into business soon after the finalisation of certain procedures.
Commenting on complaints that ITV was not accessible in Pemba, he said the IPP media had problems in securing the relevant permission from the Zanzibar government but assured Pemba residents that they would soon be able to view ITV programmes through its networks located in Tanga Region.
Committee chairperson Mhagama praised the IPP management for the giant strides you have made in the media sector which have enhanced Tanzanians access to information.
The IPP media`s achievements have contributed immensely to the country`s economic and social development, including creation of jobs for indigenous Tanzanians, she noted.
Deputy Minister Nsanzugwanko also announced that the government has officially permitted ITV and Radio One to cover the whole country after being satisfied with their performance.
Some years back, ITV and Radio One were confined to only specified regions. But the government has now given them permission to go national after being satisfied that they have been performing very well, he explained.
He elaborated on the governments commissioning of the Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA) to oversee adherence to screen all electronic media applications for wider coverage accordingly.
He said the government has set criteria, regulations and procedures that private radio and television stations seeking countrywide coverage permits must fulfil.
TCRA assessed ITV and Radio Ones operations and performance using the set criteria and requirements and concluded that they qualify to start nationwide operations, he added.
Committee member Capt John Komba, MP for Mbinga West, meanwhile noted: IPP media were very useful during the countrys transition from a single-party regime to the multiparty system.
ITV helped to clear confusion and negative perceptions on multiparty politics. It really informed and educated our people to satisfaction.
During the tour, the delegation visited IPP print and electronic media as well as the transmission networks at Makongo Juu.
Source: Guardian
