Accreditation Highlighted as Key to Strengthening Trust in the Media Sector and the Economy of Broadcasting Institutions.

By Our Reporter — The Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB) has stated that the implementation of an accreditation system for journalists and broadcasters in the country is a strategic step toward strengthening trust, professionalism, and competitiveness in the media sector within a modern economy that relies on accurate and credible information. Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of Broadcasting Institutions (ABC) held on February 13, 2026, in Dodoma, the Acting Director General of JAB, Patrick Kipangula, said that accreditation aims to build a journalism profession grounded in strong professional standards, ethics, and accountability in accordance with the Media Services Act. He explained that the accreditation system is not intended to control media content, but rather to establish standards that safeguard the integrity of the profession and enhance public confidence in the media industry. He emphasized that in today’s competitive digital environment, the credibility of a news source is the most valuable asset for any media institution. Mr. Kipangula further noted that broadcasting institutions that invest in strengthening the professionalism of their human resources position themselves more favorably to attract investment, advertising, and international partnerships, as the media market increasingly values quality, integrity, and professional accountability. Participants at the meeting, which was organized by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority, also highlighted that collaboration between content regulators and industry stakeholders is a key pillar in building a robust media sector that drives economic and social development. The move to strengthen accreditation is described as part of a broader government strategy to develop creative and communication professions to meet both national and international standards, while ensuring that the media sector continues to serve as a pillar of transparency, accountability, and sustainable development. According to JAB, more than 3,200 journalists out of 3,900 applicants for press cards have been accredited after meeting the required legal criteria, reflecting a positive response from stakeholders and a growing commitment within the media sector to enhance professional standards.