Local radio operations date back to the period of the rural press. The concept of local media that involves much use of technology is fairly new in Tanzania. History goes back to 2003 when radio Sengerema was started. Numerous attempts have been made to establish community-based media in Tanzania, notably 34 district radios established through district councils. These district radios were managed by the local government but, unfortunately, most of them are no longer operational – actually, only six out of the 34 are known to be stable. Local media were also set up with support from faith-based organizations, NGOs and development partners. Other local media being piloted in Tanzania involves partnerships between the community and the government, with the support of the UN, as for the case of Micheweni Community radio in Pemba. There are, nevertheless, about 22 local media organizations in Tanzania. A few local radios in Tanzania have proved to be effective in providing access to development information, especially to the majority of the population who are not connected to the electric grid, those who do not own televisions, or those who lack access to mobile phones, though it has proved difficult to collect local news without functioning networks of local correspondents. Local radios aside, Tanzania has one of the most vibrant media.landscapes in the region, with over 18 daily newspapers, 41 weeklies, 60 radio stations and 15 television stations as well as virtually unrestricted Internet accessibility.
Mchakamchaka wa Community Radio 