Established due to the dictates of transformation to liberal policies in the early 90s which induced the proliferation of media outlets, the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) is committed to promoting freedom of the media and ensuring the highest professional standards and accountability.

It was started by the media fraternity as an independent, voluntary, non-statutory regulatory body on June 30, 1995, during the journalists and stakeholders Convention held in Dar es Salaam. It began operations in 1997 when it was officially registered under the Societies Ordinance of 1954.

Initially, the Council focused on checking ethical lapses in the media. Through its Ethics Committee, it mediated complaints raised by the public against the media.

Gradually its activities increased to include training on ethics and professionalism to fill the yawning gap of trained practitioners in the bloated media industry. It is important to note the proliferation of media outlets did not match with the qualified practitioners available.

It also has two information research centres catering to media practitioners, scholars, researchers, and journalism students in both Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.

Though media is not a union matter, the Council has an office in Zanzibar which coordinates and follows the development of the media in the Isles. It is important to note here that most of the newspapers which are printed on the mainland are also read in the Isles and this is also the case for television and radio.

The Council with activities increasing with time, was set-up as an alternative to the intention by the government to establish a body to regulate and control the media.

Mission

To create an environment that enables a strong and ethical media that contributes towards a more democratic and just society.

Vision

A democratic Tanzania with free, responsible, and effective media.