Development Journalism Practices on Tanzania’s Social Media: An Analysis of YouTube Online TV

Ineffective media engagement of ordinary people in development processes has emerged to be one of the reasons behind slow socio-economic progress in Tanzania. This paper assesses the practice of Development Journalism (DJ) as a tool for mobilising the participation of ordinary people in development programmes. Specifically, the study targets emerging social media platforms, which facilitates the sharing of user-generated content to be shared online. It explores the extent to which YouTube online TV in Tanzania practices development journalism. The fast penetration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) evolves a media convergence that provides golden opportunities for fostering development journalism through social media (SM) platforms. It addresses one question: To what extent do SM support the growth of DJ in Tanzania? Using quantitative research methods, the study collected data from study a sample of 270 published stories over three months from three YouTube online TV; Mwananchi Digital, Ayo TV and Azam TV. The stories from the online SM platforms associated with the YouTube were measured using Development Journalism principles and indicators as developed by internationally-renowned media academics to determine their DJ status. Historical and political factors affecting DJ have been reviewed and analysed. Key finding reveals low rate of Development Journalism practice through ICTs-powered social media platforms. In fact, the overall number of stories with Development Journalism status is fewer than those with non-Development Journalism status was. Economic, technology and policy actions must complement DJ efforts including training to support the growth of DJ in Tanzania.