UNESCO helps Zanzibar build broadcasting policy

The proposed broadcasting policy is one of the strategies that will guide Zanzibar towards a smooth transition from analogue to digital broadcasting by 2015-2020. The new draft policy also paves a way for the creation of public and community broadcasting in the islands.

The semi-autonomous islands of Zanzibar form part of the United Republic of Tanzania, a union which took effect in 1964. With a population of approximately 984,625, there are about seven broadcasting stations in the islands, two national broadcasters, three religious and two commercial broadcasters.

In 2007, the Zanzibar Ministry of Information, Culture and Sports commissioned an audience survey which showed that there were huge disparities between the urban and rural areas in accessing broadcasting programmes. The draft broadcasting policy recognises the disparities and sets strategies to improve access to information in the rural areas. The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar is co-operating with UNESCO to build the first community radio in Micheweni District, a project that will cost more than $200,000.

The meetings between the House of Representatives and media owners in Zanzibar are part of a series of consultations between the government and media stakeholders in the islands on the draft broadcasting policy.