SECTOR 4 Developments since 2008 Positive developments in the media environment: • • • • • • • The launching of new media houses has transformed the media landscape and journalists now have more bargaining power. There is better flow of information. Ethical standards have improved. There is an increased awareness of media freedom and freedom of information issues among journalists and citizens. State pressure and continuous threats have resulted in journalists coming together in informal ways. NEPA has drafted a code of conduct for media practitioners. There is an increased use of new media technology. Negative developments in the media environment: • • • • • Government has continued to use advertising as a weapon to punish or reward media houses. Relations between certain sectors of the media and Government have deteriorated. There has been an increase in arrests of journalists. Journalists have been attacked by activists loyal to the ruling party. The labelling of media as sectarian by socio-cultural organisations. Activities needed over the next few years: • • • • There is an urgent need to set up a variety of professional media organizations and associations – e.g. union for journalists, a media lobby group, a publishers forum or an editors forum. A credible figure who commands respect in the media should be sought to bring journalists together to look at approving a final draft of a professional code of conduct. A voluntary media council has to be set up to implement the code of conduct. This media council should also be responsible for setting up a complaints committee. There is also a strong need to set up a welfare fund for media people. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MAURITIUS 2010 63