Africa-Press – Tanzania. HEADS of Media outlets and senior editors from across Tanzania have signed a Joint Declaration aimed at promoting peace and tranquility heading to the General Elections on October 29, this year.
The meeting, held today, October 25, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, brought together heads of both public and private media organizations. It was chaired by Deodatus Balile, the Chairperson of the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF).
Speaking during the event, Balile emphasized that the media serves as the “fourth estate” of governance and therefore has a vital role in safeguarding peace and educating the public, especially in the lead-up to the national election.
On his part, Dr Ayoub Rioba, Director General of the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), said that the unity displayed by media leaders coming together and reaching consensus was a positive sign of solidarity within the industry, despite existing competition.
“As media heads in this country, people might assume we are competitors who can’t meet, but during our discussions, there was greater consensus than ever before. Every media leader, senior editor, and head of media-related institutions agreed on the importance of meeting and sharing ideas. During the session, we were also able to reflect on national challenges together,” said Dr Rioba.
Reading out the declaration, Joyce Mhavile, Managing Director of ITV/Radio One, said one of the key principles of the document is to promote a culture of dialogue and respect for political differences.
“Tanzania gained its independence through dialogue and reasoned debate among politicians who disagreed without resorting to violence. As Tanzanians, we have a responsibility to continue building our democracy through conversation and mutual respect,” Mhavile stated.
She also underscored the media’s crucial role in strengthening multiparty democracy in the country.
“We, as media leaders and senior editors, firmly believe in the flourishing of multiparty democracy. For over three decades, we have contributed significantly to building and reinforcing this democratic system,” Mhaville added.
Mhaville further reminded the participants that the media has always been at the forefront of transparent reporting on electoral challenges, including incidents of political unrest—such as those witnessed in Zanzibar in 2001 following the general election.
Overall, the media leaders pledged to continue working together to ensure that election-related coverage promotes peace, unity, and national cohesion as the country approaches the 2025 general elections.
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