Introduction

Broadcasting refers to the distribution and transmission of audio or video content to a wide audience through Radio, Television, or digital platforms. It is a mass communication medium that allows information, news, entertainment, educational programs, and other content to be transmitted simultaneously to a large number of people, regardless of their location. Broadcasting has been dominated by Radio Broadcasting which involves the transmission of audio content, such as music, news, talk shows, and other programs, through radio waves and Television Broadcasting which involves the transmission of audio-visual content, including TV shows, movies, documentaries, and news programs. The first radio station in Tanzania was established under the colonial empire in July, 1951 namely “Sauti ya Dar es Salaam. The geographical coverage was limited to citizen living in Dar es Salaam city only. Later after independence in 1961, Tanganyika Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) was formed and started to broadcast with the coverage along coast area. In 1964 after Zanzibar and Tanganyika united, Radio Tanzania Dar es salaam became the solely Radio Station in Tanzania Mainland.

Advancement in Radio Broadcasting Technologies in Tanzania

Radio broadcasting sector started with analog technology which allows only one channel per frequency bandwidth allocated. The first technology to be used was Short Wave (SW); which was used around 1950 up to late 1990’s where Radio Tanzania Dar es Salaam (RTD) had two transmission sites, one at Mabibo for external service programs and another at Pugu Road. With these two sites, radio coverage was all over the country and some other nearby countries.

Around 1980’s RTD introduced Medium Wave (MW) technology operating from 531 kHz to 1611 kHz, by establishing eight MW transmission sites. These sites were in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Arusha, Mtwara, Ruvuma region, Mbeya, Kigoma and Mwanza regions.

In early 1990’s FM broadcasting were introduced in Tanzania operating in VHF band II (87.5MHz – 108.0MHz). The liberalization of the sector attracted many private operators leading to struggle in the frequency demand especially in major cities. This phenomenon has caused frequency scarcity in FM band as there were more frequency demands than what is available. Up to date there are more than 254 licensed radio broadcasters in the country.

Online Radio Broadcasting: With the advent of the internet and digital technologies, broadcasting has extended beyond traditional radio and television. Streaming of Radio content is possible. As of 2023, TCRA has issued 324 for online Radio and Television

Advancement in Television Broadcasting in Tanzania

Terrestrial Broadcasting: Terrestrial broadcasting in mainland Tanzania started after liberalization of broadcasting sector in 1993. Television station deployed were analogue terrestrial transmission systems operating in VHF band. Each licensed Television station channel used 8MHz bandwidth. Broadcaster use towers and transmitters to send signals over-the-air, which can be received by television sets with built-in tuners or external antennas. The analogue broadcasting television were able to provide Free To Air (FTA) broadcasting services only. The FTA mode of transmission allow the consumer to access broadcasted content without paying subscription fee.

Television broadcasting has undergone various technological advancements with an intention of reaching each individual in the country along with improved spectrum efficiency, audio and video quality.

In 2015 Tanzania managed to be the first country in Africa to completely Switched from Analogue Terrestrial Transmission system to Digital Terrestrial Transmission systems.

Digital Terrestrial Transmission are more efficient in spectrum usage, 8 MHz band used by one channel in Analogue system allows transmission of about 20 digital Television channels depending on compression and coding schemes. TCRA licensed four companies to provide Multiplex services and Signal Distribution in DTT platform. The DTT provide both FTA and Pay TV broadcasting content.

1. Satellite Broadcasting - DTH

Satellite Television Broadcasting also known as Direct To Home - DTH in Tanzania started way back in 1994. Multichoice Tanzania was the first operator to deliver content through DTH. The content was Pay Television Content. DTH broadcasting, is a method of delivering television signals to viewers through communication satellites in geostationary orbit. It covers vast geographical area, making it efficient method to reach scarcely populated locations. The licensed signal distributors (MUXs) are also using DTH platform to provide content to consumers. As of 2023, there are two DTH operators who aggregate contents outside Tanzania territory. Consumers requires receiving satellite dish antennae to receive the content. The licence issued to operators who use such kind of content delivery is named “Support Service Licence”. The licensees are obliged to provide support and take care of customers within Tanzania territory. The support given among others are maintenance of receiving equipment, billing and call centre.

2. Cable Television: Cable TV services in Tanzania started way back in 1994. The Cable operators played a significant role of extending television services coverage in service areas where there was no terrestrial television coverage. Most of the cable operators provided pay television content in district towns and other rural areas. There are significant increase of consumers using cable delivery mode of broadcasting services for the past three years. The statistics indicate that set top boxes for cable Cable TV has increased from 16, 786 in 2019 to 85,806 in 2022. The increase of users may be contributed by nature of content delivered to consumers. Cable TV delivers television content through coaxial or Optic Fiber cables to subscribers. Cable Television Operator Multiplex Multiple Television channels content into a single transmission stream.

Cable Television operation in Tanzania is characterized by Analog cable television systems in which audio and video signals are transmitted in analog format over coaxial cables to the subscribers' homes. Analogue Cable Television systems have limitations in terms of signal quality, channel capacity, and interactivity.

Digital Cable Television:

Another form of Cable Television is Digital cable which uses digital technology to encode audio and video signals, allowing for more efficient use of bandwidth and higher-quality content delivery. The signals from the cable are decoded and processed by a set-top box (STB) installed at the viewer's television. The STB demodulates and decodes the signals, converting them back into audio-visual content for display on the TV screen.

3. Over-The-Top (OTT) Streaming:

Increase in internet penetration to general public and convergence of broadcasting and digital platforms have paved new way for extension of traditional Television to different content delivery methods allowing audiences to access their favourite programs across multiple devices. OTT platforms deliver TV content directly to viewers over the internet, bypassing traditional cable or satellite TV providers. Viewers can watch on-demand content on various devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets.

Types of broadcasting licences that are issued

Broadcasting licences are grouped as Individual licences and Class licences

A) Individual Licences

i)Content Television Broadcasting (free to Air) Private- District

This is an entity licensed to provide television content and viewed without payment in maximum of three points of presence in one administrative Region in the United Republic of Tanzania

ii)Content Television Broadcasting (free to Air) Private- National

This is an entity licensed to provide television content and viewed without payment in the United Republic of Tanzania.

iii) Channel Aggregator –National

This is an entity licensed to package individual licensed or authorized channels into a specific basket of channels for distribution by a multiplex operator.

iv) Support Service Private- National

This is an entity licensed to provide services which consists of the provisions of management services to a subscription broadcasting service which may include, subscriber management support, subscription fee collection, call centres, sales and marketing and technical and installation in the United Republic of Tanzania.

v) Content Radio Broadcasting (Free to Air) Private –National

This is an entity licensed to provide radio content services in the United Republic of Tanzania.

vi) Content Radio Broadcasting (Free to Air) Private –Regional

This is an entity licensed to provide radio content in not more than ten Regions in the United Republic of Tanzania

vii) Content Radio Broadcasting (Free to Air) Private –District

This is an entity licensed to provide radio content in not more than three points of presence in one administrative Region in the United Republic of Tanzania

B) Class Licences

i) Content Services by Subscription (For Aggregation)- National

This is an entity licensed to provide television content and viewed by payment in the United Republic of Tanzania

ii) Content Services by Subscription (For Aggregation)- Regional

This is an entity licensed to provide television content and viewed by payment in not more than ten regions in the United Republic of Tanzania

iii) Content Services by Subscription (For Aggregation)- District

This is an entity licensed to provide television content and viewed by payment in not more than one regions in the United Republic of Tanzania

iv) Special Content (Education) Television –National

This is an entity licensed to provides specific formal television educational content covering different subjects from nursery, tertiary to higher learning institutions in the United Republic of Tanzania

v) Special Content (Education) Television-Regional

This is an entity licensed to provides specific formal television educational content covering different subjects from nursery, tertiary to higher learning institutions in not more than ten regions of the United Republic of Tanzania.

vi) Special Content (Education) Radio-National

This is an entity licensed to provides specific formal radio educational content covering different subjects from nursery, tertiary to higher learning institutions in the United Republic of Tanzania

vii) Special Content (Education) Radio-District

This is an entity licensed to provides specific formal radio educational content covering different subjects from nursery, tertiary to higher learning institutions in not more than one regions of the United Republic of Tanzania

viii) Community Radio

This is an entity licensed to provide radio broadcasting services, in a specific community, operated and owned by the community on non-profit basis.

ix) Community Television

This is an entity licensed to provide television broadcasting services, in a specific community, operated and owned by the community on non-profit basis.

x) Channel Aggregator (Cable)-National)

This is an entity licensed to collect and distribute television channel to customers using wires of which the customers exceed 5000.

xi) Channel Aggregator (Cable)- Regional

This is an entity licensed to collect and distribute television channel to customers using wires of which the customers do not exceed 5000.

xii) Channel Aggregator (Cable)- District

This is an entity licensed to collect and distribute television channel to customers using wires of which the customers do not exceed 1000.

xiii) Online media

This is an entity licensed to provide online content Radio or Television services for the purpose of news and current affairs.

xiv) Online aggregator

This is an entity licensed to collect content from different sources and packs the content into baskets of channels for the purpose of being accessed by users for free or upon payment of a prescribed fee

Requirements for obtaining a broadcasting licence

i) For private radio, applicants are required to apply after TCRA has advertised through invitation to apply ITA. Hereunder are the requirement

https://www.tcra.go.tz/uploads/text-editor/files/Instructions to Applicants_1694416915.docx

ii) For community radio, applicant can apply without waiting advertisement

iii) All television applications can be submitted without invitation to apply

Projection for future development of the broadcast sector

Introduction of Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB)

Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) technologies allows more radio channels to be transmitted in the same frequency bandwidth using encoding and modulating techniques. This approach meets the current need of high demand of new radio stations which is not possible by analog technology. Some of digital technologies are: -

i) Digital Radio Mondiale 30(DRM 30)

This Technology Utilizes Amplitude Modulation (AM) band below 30 MHz, that is, the Medium Wave (MW) and Short Wave (SW) bands as MW is a ground wave capable travelling wave and SW is a sky wave capable travelling wave. DRM 30 is therefore capable of travelling over long distances.

ii) Digital Radio Mondiale Plus (DRM+)

This technology utilizes Band II (87.5 – 108 MHz) which is also used by Frequency Modulation (FM). It allows more channels than FM in the same frequency bandwidth. However, it is affected by line-of-sight disadvantage on obstacles.

iii) Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) and Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus (DAB+)

This technology utilizes Band III (174 – 230 MHz). It is capable of accommodating 15 – 25 channels per allocated frequency bandwidth.

Projection for Future Development of Television Broadcasting

The Television Broadcasting Future is poised for significant transformations driven by Technological Advancements and changing consumer preferences. Several key trends are expected to shape the future development of the broadcast industry:

i) Hybrid Broadband Broadcast TV

The future of broadcasting lies in the integration of broadband and traditional broadcast technologies. Hybrid broadband broadcast TV combines the advantages of over-the-air broadcasting with internet-based delivery. This approach allows broadcasters to offer a seamless viewing experience, combining live TV, video-on-demand, interactive services, and personalized content recommendations. Viewers will be able to access a diverse range of content through a single platform, enhancing engagement and convenience.

ii) Use of AI and ML Algorithms to Create Personalized Content

Usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms will increase broadcasting. These technologies analyse viewer preferences, behaviour, and content consumption patterns to create personalized content recommendations. Broadcasters will be able to tailor their offerings to individual tastes, ensuring a more engaging and relevant viewing experience. AI and ML will also facilitate content curation, content discovery, and targeted advertising, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the broadcasting industry.

iii) 5G Broadcast

The rollout of 5G technology will revolutionize content delivery in the broadcast sector. 5G Broadcast, also known as FeMBMS (Further evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service), enables broadcasters to transmit content directly to mobile devices over 5G networks, reaching a broader and more mobile audience. This technology will offer better video quality, reduced latency, and improved coverage, making it an attractive option for live events, breaking news, and sports broadcasts. 5G Broadcast will also pave the way for new interactive and immersive experiences, leveraging augmented and virtual reality technologies.

iv) Growth of OTT Platform Services

Over-The-Top (OTT) services, like Hulu, Netflix, Facebook Watch, Clubhouse, and online TV platforms, will continue to thrive in the future. OTT services provide viewers with on-demand access to a vast library of content, enabling them to watch what they want, when they want, and on various devices. The growth of OTT platforms will continue to challenge traditional broadcasting models and drive the need for unique, exclusive, and original content to attract and retain subscribers. Broadcasters may increasingly collaborate with OTT platforms to extend their reach and diversify revenue streams.

v) Multiple content delivery methods

In the future, content delivery will become increasingly fragmented, with broadcasters providing content through various channels and platforms. Traditional broadcasting will coexist with online streaming, social media channels, mobile apps, and smart TV platforms. Broadcasters will focus on multi-platform content distribution to engage audiences across diverse digital landscapes. This multi-delivery approach will offer viewers more choices and flexibility in how they consume content.

vi) High Resolution and Coding Schemes

Future of Television Broadcasting will also be characterised by High-resolution content, such as 8K video. Advancements in display technology and consumer demand for immersive viewing experiences will drive the adoption of higher resolution formats. To efficiently deliver this content, broadcasters will utilize advanced coding schemes like High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC or H.265). these technologies will enable better compression and reduce bandwidth requirements, making it feasible to deliver high-quality content over various networks.

Laws. Regulations or Rules governing broadcast sector in Tanzania

1. Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority Act of 2003
2. The Electronic and Postal Communications Act (EPOCA) 2010, Act No.3
3. Electronic and Posta Communications
4. Code on Political Party Elections Broadcast, 2015 and its amendment;
5. The Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) 2020 and its Amendments of 2022
6. The Electronic and Posta Communications (Radio and Television Broadcasting Content) Regulations 2018 and its amendments of 2020 and 2022
7. The electronic and Postal Communications (Digital and other Broadcasting Networks) Regulations ,2018 and its amendments of 2018 and 2022;

Content Committee including its leadership and responsibilities

The Content Committee was established under Section 26. – (2) of the TCRA Act No. 12 of 2003. The Committee is composed of five members including the TCRA Board member. The Board selects within itself, one member to be Chairman of the Content Committee according to Section 173 (a) of the EPOCA, Chapter 306 of the Laws of Tanzania (Amendment of Section 26 of the TCRA Act, Chapter 172 of the Laws of Tanzania). The other four members are appointed by the Minister responsible for Information and Broadcasting upon consultation with the Chairman of the Board. According with the structure of the TCRA Act of 2003 section 26 (2) the appointment of the Committee is for a period of three (3) years. The current members of the Committee which was appointed in March,2023 are: -

1. Dr Abdallah Katunzi Batenga – Chairman
2. Ms Saida Salim Mukhi – Vice Chairperson
3. Ms. Elizabeth Boniface Mkwasa – Member
4. Mr. Jacob Gregory Tesha - Member
5. Mr. Isaac Athman Mruma – Member

DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CONTENT COMMITTEE

According to the Law, the duties of the Content Committee are specified in article 27 (1) of the Tanzania Communications Authority Act (TCRA) No. 12 of 2003 and its amendment in section 173 of the Electronic and Postal Communications Act (EPOCA) of 2010. The duties of the Committee include: -

1. To advise the sector minister on broadcasting policy,
2. To Monitor and regulate broadcast content,
3. To monitor broadcasting ethics compliance and
4. Handle content complaints from operators and consumers