End Term evaluation of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) programme support 2018-2024

The Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) was established in 1995 as a selfregulatorybody to oversee and promote media ethics and resolve complaints overmedia practice. MCT’s activities have since expanded to include training andadvocacy on laws, policies, and protecting key rights for the media. Sida hassupported MCT for over 10 years, with core funding to 2017 and then to advocacyand arbitration from 2018. Progress on these has been made. Although advocacyin the context is difficult, amendments to key laws have been made and more couldbe achieved under the current government. The number of complaints formallymediated or arbitrated has declined, but many are resolved informally or dealtwith by Press Clubs that MCT helped establish. Sida has also provided staffsalaries and administrative costs and has contributed to other MCT outcomes andgender equality. Impact is limited but potential for impact exists. MCT supportcontributes to sustainability, but it faces a funding gap since Sida funding hasended. Although government is pushing ahead to establish a state mediaregulatory body, MCT will still have key roles to play.