regular workshops. The problem is that editors often send their most junior instead of their seasoned staff members, which results in the same ground being covered over and over again, but people not having the opportunity or capacity to utilise the information learnt. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 4.10 2, 3, 4, 3, 3, 4, 4, 3, 1, 3 3.0 (2006 = 4.0) Journalists and other media practitioners are organised in trade unions and/or professional associations. ANALYSIS: Journalists in Zimbabwe are well organised. They are members of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, the Media Institute of Southern Africa – Zimbabwe Chapter, the Zimbabwe Independent Editors Forum (ZINEF), the National Association for Freelance Journalists (which is not fully functional), or the Federation of African Media Women. MISA and ZUJ are members of the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe. SCORES: Individual score: Average score: 4. 5. 4. 4. 3. 3. 4. 4. 4. 4 3.9 (2006 = 4.5) Overall score for section 4: 2.1 (2006 = 2.1) OVERALL COUNTRY SCORE: 1.7 (2006 = 1.5) Developments since 2006 and the Way Forward Positive developments in the media environment in the last two years: o Non-accreditation of journalists is no longer a criminal offence o Formation of the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe o Launch of the self-regulatory Media Council of Zimbabwe o Lawmakers interested in taking part in discussions with the media o Increase of online publications Negative developments in the media environment in the last two years: o Catastrophic deterioration of the economy with impact on the media industry, circulation of papers and access to broadcasting o Continuation of political violence o Exodus of skilled media staff o Interception of Communications Act, passed in August 2007 So This Is Democracy? 2008 -280- Media Institute of Southern Africa