Engaging media in local governance processes : the case of Radio Sibuka, Shinyanga Press Club And Kagera Press Club

During the implementation of the capacity building of local governance actors in Tanzania, the media was acknowledged as a local governance actor that had not been initially included in the programme design. A media policy (2007-2009) was developed to guide the engagement of media especially in a situation where civil society and private sector organisations are weak and have very limited capacity to venture their issues and reach the larger public. The mass media form an important channel for communication and delivery of information between authorities and the public and contribute to a more transparent and accountable society. This case illustrates how broadcast and print media have been used to enhance transparency and accountability. The case also highlights the challenges of using
the media to enhance governance processes at district and national level. The case study shows that engaging media organisations as local capacity builders such as Media Institute of Southern Africa to address these challenges can improve the role of the media in enhancing transparency and accountability in basic service delivery (WaSH and Primary Education) and in enhancing communication for development in Tanzania. [authors abstract]