Media ownership matters
Mass media influence the way facts are viewed and debated in the society. Independence and pluralism in media, public opinion and views— including criticism of people in power— are the safeguards of a healthy democracy. Monitoring and ensuring ownership pluralism is the first step toward independence and freedom of choice.
How can people evaluate the reliability of information if they don't know who provides it? How can journalists work properly if they don't know who controls the company they work for? And how can media authorities address excessive media concentration if they don't know who is behind the media's steering wheel?
Ownership structure may also affect the way the media industry manages its resources. It shapes the economic strength and efficiency of the media sector, which is of particular interest to potential investors.
DISCLAIMER: Legal black-out of data
Like in all project countries, the Media Ownership Monitor gathered, validated and analysed a vast set of data on the Tanzanian media market upon which this website is based. However, a unique Tanzanian law regulates the publication of statistical data and obliges to seek prior approval by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). We sought such permission towards the end of the research. We have not received a response from the NBS so far. Therefore, we see ourselves forced to blacken particularly audience data. We will release the data – just as we did in the +15 other MOM country projects – once the NBS advises us on this matter.
Such a practice of monopolizing and controlling the open exchange of research data constitutes, by itself, a high risk to freedom of expression; it inhibits scientific research and professional data journalism.
