CROSSROADS : Should TBC close up shop to have no cost?

The basic interest of any broadcasting channel is how many viewers it attracts especially during peak hours. When a broadcast channel fails to be innovative and subsequently fails to attract viewers, then its existence is not worth it. This is particularly so when billions of tax payers’ money was poured into its establishment.

Once digital broadcasting becomes firmly rooted in Tanzania, it is possible to know how many viewers or how many gadgets were being used to watch a particular channel.

For example in the case of the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), it’ll become possible to give precise numbers at any given time, how many people are viewing through DsTV, Star Times, Azam, Continental decoders. It’s even possible to tell the exact location of those viewers.

You can bet the viewing rate for TBC is low compared with private stations, such that if it was the criterion used to keep it as a business, it would have issues with its owners.

Perhaps the good Members of Parliament can use their privileged position to get us the actual view-ship rates for TBC Taifa.

Then from there, they can advise us if it is worth having the public broadcaster, whose bills are footed by taxpayers.

According to geopoll.com, April-June 2015, TBC had 17.9 per cent of TV audience share, with Clouds, ITV and EATV doing better than it.

I thought live coverage of Bunge by TBC gave the station an added advantage to increase its audience, and raise its rating.

People are interested in viewing Bunge proceedings. And, given today’s technology, live broadcasting is no longer rocket science. In fact it could be cheaper than producing a movie or programme.

So by TBC saying they are stopping live broadcasts to cut cost does not add up. So, if all is about cost, then they could close up shop all together or simply broadcast online. On the same rationale, Bunge could also stop going to Dodoma for meetings. They could instead have their meetings through Skype or whatsApp? Yes, why not?

Our MPs have their problems, but it seems that is the only place when in Tanzania today one can practice free speech. That is one of the many reasons why the proceedings must be covered live. Many past corruption scandals were exposed in Bunge. I’m sure, some people would never want the Executive to be exposed, but are we not a democratic state?

The last time I checked TBC website (tbc.go.tz) it stated clearly “TBC is a Public Service Broadcaster established by Government Order in 2007”. Public service broadcaster is supposed to broadcast programmes for the public benefit rather than for purely commercial purposes.

By that definition, that is why the public has been demanding TBC to offer live coverage of Bunge proceedings. Once in a while, I watch the broadcaster, who also airs paid for advertisements, out highly competing with private players.

TBC benefits from taxpayers’ money; TBC also secures business through advertisements. If the order is not political machination, showing Bunge live, gives the station added advantage.

Those lawmakers, for good or worse, are our representatives.

If the government does not want TBC to be a public broadcaster it can sell it or close it. Else, why should it be called public if it is just for special interest groups?

I saw this statement somewhere “TBC strives to be a truly public broadcaster that is accountable to the public.”

If that is the case, then let us have live broadcasts for Bunge. The MPs need to also look at TBC budget afresh. Private players if they had the money at the disposals of TBC, what can they do? Taxpayers should get value for their money.