The Film Unit inherited from colonial days was the earliest introduction to this constituency. The Film Unit was a Government unit responsible for documenting important Government events.

Tanzania Film Company (TFC) was established in 1968. It produced documentaries for parastatals and owned a recording studio for documenting works of musical bands and choirs. Popular feature films made by TFC include Fimbo ya Mnyonge (1974), Harusi ya Mariam (1983) and Yomba Yomba. The advent and rapid mushrooming/development of the TV and video industry killed the company as it no longer attracted interest of the public.

The Audiovisual Institute (AVI) formed in 1974 gradually replaced the Film Company but continued to play the role of a Government documentation unit. However, AVI ventured also in making educational documentaries which were used in schools and other training institutions.

Radio Tanzania is the oldest radio in the country and it has always been owned and run by the Government. Private owned Radio and TV stations started in 1994 when liberalization of the media industry took form. This has resulted into a rapid growth of the media industry in the country, making Tanzania a leader in the East Africa region.

According to most recent data available at the Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA), there are 34 operational radio stations; of which 31 of them are FM and the rest AM stations. Moreover, there are 15 major TV stations and about 16 minor ones. Most of these stations are based in major urban centres.

Furthermore, there is a rapid increase in cable operators throughout the country, with TCRA data having in record a total of 32 operators; 16 major ones and the rest minor. At a more commune level, there are 16 'TV operators' or small community stations, a majority of which are run by District Councils all over Tanzania.

Initially, most radio and TV stations used to fill their airtime with foreign programmes, but at present a greater portion of programming is filled with locally produced programmes, some of which are becoming famous and attracting viewers and listeners in East and Central Africa.

The concept of regional integration has been well spearheaded in the local media with a number of media organisations attempting to establish regional TV and radio networks. An example of this is the East Africa Radio and TV, stations owned by the IPP Media and covering all capitals and other towns of East Africa. These stations have seen an increase in their audience in a very short time, with their local programmes becoming popular within the East and Central Africa region.

Furthermore, the use of satellite and Internet broadcasting technologies enable people as far as in West Africa to enjoy popular programmes of these twp stations.

Moreover, the introduction of satellite broadcasting technology in the industry and the review of the Tanzania Broadcasting Act has enabled many TV and radio stations to cover almost all Tanzania. Internet web casting has taken Tanzanian media all over the world now, with people from all over the globe following what is going on in Tanzania at the touch a button.

Foreign music as well as exotic music videos also used to dominate most of Tanzanian stations but with the rapid development and expansion of the local music industry, the situation is constantly and rapidly changing in favour of the young people. The local music industry is competing neck to neck with established foreign musicians, with concept such as 'music for the new generation' filling TV and radio airwaves.

This new genre of music or famously known as 'bongofleva', a fusion of hip hop, rap, R & B, reggae, dancehall and other African music sensations has taken the young people in Tanzania by storm, with many recording studios boasting the latest technologies being established to cater for the ever-increasing 'superstar wannabes'.

With access to TV, Cable network and Video, cinema halls are fast disappearing. However, a latest cinema technology is trying to revive the industry after the first world-class cinema opened in Dar es Salaam recently. The industry has also seen a number of local productions being launched.

Actors
Actors in this sub-sector include all practitioners from the film, music, radio and TV industries, all media practitioners, actors and actresses, producers, creative personnel, designers and supporting personnel.

Priority areas in this sub-sector are:

1. Researching traditional musical instruments, customs and traditions,
2. Researching, producing and exhibiting traditional ceremonies,
3. Documentation of the origins of art,
4. Training of film making personnel (script writers, directors, sound effect designers, set and costume designers etc),
5. Funding of co-productions.

Focal point of this constituency is the National Television of Tanzania (TVT).

Projects supported

A total of 29 projects within this constituency received funds from Mfuko between 1999 and 2004, equivalent to 10% of all projects supported in the six years.

In the year 2004 alone, six projects in this sub-sector received funds, of which three projects are for capacity building.