ITV is a long-standing member of the Public Media Alliance, and comprises two TV channels, ITV and Capital TV, and two radio stations, Radio 1 and Capital FM
It broadcasts in English and Swahili, the two official languages, although the country is home to around 100 languages, making it the most linguistically diverse country in the region. However up to 90 per cent of Tanzanians speak Swahili as their second language.
ITV has operated since 1994, initially broadcasting to five regions, and now covering the whole country of 45 million. ITV says that over 60 per cent of its primetime broadcasting is locally produced.
As its name suggests, the broadcaster is independent of the government, and privately owned. Its parent organisation, IPP Media, is one of East Africa’s largest media conglomerates, and like ITV, is based in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam. It enjoys a large share of TV viewership, competing with five other national stations, including state-run and fellow Public Media Alliance member, TBC.
ITV is active in digital media, and its Facebook page has a strong following of 360,000. It posts a variety of interviews and news conferences to YouTube on a weekly basis.
While being commercially funded, the broadcaster prides itself on its commitment to public service values, raising awareness of HIV/Aids, and key women’s health messages through its programming.
ITV is headed by Joyce Mhaville, who is also a valued member of our board.
Membership: Full member
Region: Africa
Year established: 1994
Digital standard: DVB-T2
Web address: http://www.itv.co.tz
Ownership: Private