DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA Standard Newspapers (TSN) Limited has been advised to further strengthen its digital presence to reach younger audiences as news consumption continues to shift from print to online platforms.
Speaking on Thursday during a visit to the TSN pavilion at the ongoing 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), Watumishi Housing Investment (WHI) Acting Chief Executive Architect Sephania Solomon commended the state-owned publisher for its role in disseminating credible government information and documenting the country’s development.
TSN publishes Tanzania’s leading newspapers Daily News, Sunday News, HabariLEO, SpotiLEO and Daily News Digital.
“TSN has done an outstanding job over many years by informing the public about the country’s development and government programmes. The work you do is important because it provides reliable information that people can trust,” Mr Solomon said.
Mr Solomon said as media consumption rapidly shifts from traditional print to digital platforms, the future of newspapers depends on their ability to adapt to changing audience habits.
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He said the publisher’s ongoing digital transformation should receive greater investment, arguing that online platforms offer a faster and more effective way of reaching younger readers than traditional newspapers.
“I encourage you to invest more in digital platforms. Young people consume information differently today. It takes more effort for someone to buy a newspaper than to access news instantly on the digital platforms, Mr Solomon noted.”
Further, he said TSN’s publications have built a reputation as a trusted source of government announcements and verified information, making the company’s digital expansion increasingly important in combating misinformation.
“When people see information published by TSN, they know it is official and credible. That trust should now be extended to digital platforms where more audiences, especially young people, are consuming news,” he stressed.
He however encouraged the publisher to balance both platforms while adapting to changing audience preferences.
“We should assess whether young people are still reading printed newspapers or whether they now prefer electronic media. The future lies in understanding those changing habits while continuing to provide accurate and trusted information,” he said.
Despite advocating for greater digital investment, Mr Solomon praised TSN for its longstanding contribution to public information, saying its reporting has helped keep locals informed about national development and government priorities while serving as a trusted source of official information.
Several visitors at the TSN pavilion echoed his views. Barnabas Isidor, a university student, said he rarely buys printed newspapers but regularly reads news on his smartphone.
“I follow the news online because it is faster and easier to access wherever I am. If TSN continues expanding its digital platforms, more young people like me will read its content because we still want credible news,” Isidor said.
Others, however, said print newspapers remain relevant. Mariana Sawaya, a retired teacher visiting the exhibitions, said she still prefers reading physical newspapers because they allow her to read in greater detail without relying on internet access.
“I have read TSN newspapers for many years and I trust the information they publish. Digital platforms are important, but I hope the printed editions continue because many readers of my generation still value them,” she said.