Govt reminds PROs to cooperate with the media

Dodoma. The government has reminded all spokespersons in public institutions to cooperate with the media by realizing information as required by the 2003 broadcasting and information policy.

Responding to a supplementary question from Special Seat Member of Parliament Ms Devota Minja (Chadema), Deputy minister for information, culture, arts and sports Ms Anastazia Wambura said PRO are obliged to release information to the public through the media by the 2003 broadcasting and information policy.

 “The 2003 broadcasting and information policy insists that PROs in public institutions are obliged to release information to the public through the media,” the deputy minister revealed.

Earlier in her basic question Ms Minja sought the government’s stand on some people, who have been preventing journalists from fulfilling their duties.

Ms Minja gave an example of an incident where various journalists, who were locked up in Arusha, when they were covering a ceremony to hand over Sh18 million to the management of Lucky Vincent Nursery and Primary school following a road tragedy which killed 32 pupils, 2 teachers and a driver in Karatu earlier this month.

Responding Mr Wambura said the government isn’t aware if journalists have been prevented from fulfilling their duties.

“I haven’t heard of the news (arrest of journalists in Arusha) so if the MP has any information she should contact me after this session,” said the deputy minister.