The government of Zanzibar has invited private electronic and print media to operate in the Isles in a bid to expand the coverage of economic, political and social issues.

Minister of State Ali Juma Shamuhuna told the Zanzibar House of Representatives on 27 June 2005 that the government and private media could also recruit journalists now working in the state-owned media institutions. Shamuhuna said the operation of private and state-owned media side by side would stimulate competition and enhance efficiency in the sector.

The minister reported that the government had, to date, licensed nine private electronic and four print media organs. Two private television stations - Zanzibar Cable Company and Africa Media Group - have been licensed, along with radio stations Adhana Broadcasting Station, Coconut Radio Station, STZ/BBC-Unguja, STZ/BBC Pemba, Zenj FM Station and Radio Maria. The print media licensed include "Zanzibar Wiki Hii", "Marhaba", "ZIFF" and "Fahari Zanzibar".

BACKGROUND:

On 28 November 2003, Zanzibar became a state devoid of private media when the government closed the only independent newspaper, "Dira", alleging that it had violated professional ethics and fomented hatred between the government and its people (see IFEX alerts of 24 November 2004, 4 December and 25 November 2003).

MORE INFORMATION:

For further information, contact Zoé Titus, Programme Manager, Media Freedom Monitoring, MISA, Private Bag 13386 Windhoek, Namibia, tel: +264 61 232 975, fax: +264 61 248 016, e-mail: research@misa.org, Internet: http://www.misa.org