The Tanzanian government is taking steps towards adopting Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) technology. The Ministry of Information, Communication, and Information Technology is in the final stages of revising the broadcasting regulations to allow for the use of DSB technology, which will help address radio frequency scarcity, especially in urban areas. This move will enable radio content to reach a broader audience.
At an Annual Broadcasting Conference (ABC) organised by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) in Dodoma, Deputy Minister of Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Engineer Mathew Kundo, confirmed that radio coverage had reached 55% of Tanzania’s geographical expanse, excluding wildlife reserves and forests.
The Broadcasting Services Section manager at TCRA supported the use of DSB technology, saying it would optimise radio broadcasting services and enable service providers to reach every corner of the country unhindered by physical barriers such as mountains, terrains, buildings, or trees.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolution to unite efforts to ensure adherence to broadcasting entities’ ethical standards and eliminate content that violates broadcasting norms. This followed concerns raised by veteran radio presenters associated with Radio Tanzania Dar es Salaam, expressing dismay over the erosion of broadcasting and media ethics in many broadcasting stations across the country.
The conference also emphasised the importance of disseminating high-quality content related to election activities and development during the upcoming Local Government Authority and general elections. Jacob Mwenga, Manager of Ice Broadcasting Station in Makambako, Njombe, remarked that the advancements in the broadcasting sector in Tanzania would be significant as new technologies are embraced and improvement strategies are implemented.
