The broadcasting policy of RTD was determined by TANU Mass Media Committee which was presided over by Minister Wakil. At the time of Arusha Declaration (1967), almost all people in Tanzania were able to listen to the National Radio (RTD). But as time went on, people's interest in RTD diminished and they started to tune in to other foreign radio stations like BBC, VOA, Voice of Kenya (VOK), and many others. This was because RTD
concentrated much on the educational programmes like adult education and the also to educate the people on the policies of Ujamaa na Kujitegemea (Socialism and Self Reliance). Another reason was because most of the programmes that were broadcasted were educational, which
mostly incorporated political contents reflecting the philosophy of socialism and self reliance and people wanted to be entertained, so they tuned in other stations which were providing entertainment. Some of the broadcasts could not be heard at daytime, this also was among the reasons that RTD lost its listeners
In 1970, RTD made the following resolutions in regards to its broadcasting policies:
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To review it's objectives
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To redefine it's broadcasting policy
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To reorganize its structure and activities in accordance with the TANU and government's objectives.
When one looks at the policies, it is relevant to say that what RTD was doing was exactly what the government wanted it to do. It was used as a government's mouthpiece to propagate the policy of Socialism and self reliance.
The plan to implement these resolutions was completed later that year and was presented and approved in the parliament by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Hon. Jacob Namfua. This plan had a severe effect on the running of RTD because it stated that RTD was a party and government instrument with the prime concern of mobilizing the masses to participate in the policy of socialism and self reliance. This brought about an overall change of radio programmes as well as news reports. For most of the programmes were directed towards the information on the meaning and what the socialism and self reliance was all about. RTD was also expected by the government to; defend the national independence and integrity, enhance the building of socialism and self reliance, participate in the liberation of Africa, maintain African unity, follow a non aligned policy and maintain world peace and justice.
