Assessment of Print Media Reportage of Public Funds Embezzlement in Tanzanian Councils: A Case Study of Mwananchi Newspapers 2020-2023.

Lyimo, Lilian (2025) Assessment of Print Media Reportage of Public Funds Embezzlement in Tanzanian Councils: A Case Study of Mwananchi Newspapers 2020-2023. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The study gives an overview of how print media reports the embezzlement of public funds at the council level. The researcher reach the aim focused on three issues which were to assess the attention of Mwananchi newspapers reportage of public funds embezzlement in Tanzanian councils. To, determine the tone used, in the reportage of public funds embezzlement in Tanzanian councils in Mwananchi newspapers. And to examine the type of embezzlement cases reported by Mwananchi Newspapers 2020-2023 on public funds in the councils to understand the mostly reported incidents of embezzlement in LGA in Tanzania .The embezzlement of public funds has been a concern for many countries, especially those experiencing financial distress. In light of this, the media has been considered a crucial tool for exposing corruption in government institutions. The qualitative approach was used since it assessed the quality of news. The study found out that public fund embezzlement is a pervasive issue in Tanzania Local Government Authorities (LGAs), with a need for comprehensive reforms in governance, financial oversight and accountability mechanisms. The media plays a vital role in exposing and raising awareness of embezzlement cases, fostering public discourse, and influencing policy responses. However, there is also a need for responsible and balanced reporting from the newspapers, to avoid biases and ensure accurate representation of the issues at hand. It was recommended that the media should create public awareness and promote its engagement in fighting against corrupt practices. Also the media show the importance of equipping the Anti-Corruption Agencies with the necessary resources and expertise to effectively investigate and prosecute cases of embezzlement in Tanzanian LGAs. This may be done by the media encouraging and giving enough attention to the whistle-blowers and campaign for the enactment of protection laws to encourage individuals with information on embezzlement to come forward without fear of reprisal. Also, the media should show interest in promoting the growth of ethics and integrity frameworks, including codes of conduct and disciplinary measures, to ensure civil servants uphold the highest ethical standards in their financial management practices. Keywords: Corruption, Embezzlement, Council, Mwananchi and Tanzania

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