SECTOR 1 1.11 Civil society in general and media lobby groups actively advance the cause of media freedom. Nigeria’s new Freedom of Information Act is one example that best illustrates the role played by media organisations and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in shaping the country’s media landscape. Advocacy for media freedom, led by civil society, has been felt in the country over the past 11 years, following Nigeria’s return to civilian rule. Civil society groups have been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at the repeal of repressive laws and the introduction of new legislation that guarantees greater freedoms through public awareness building, advocacy and stakeholder lobbying activities. Though implementation has been slow, there have been initiatives such as the Media Rights Agenda, a proposed bill to revise the broadcasting regulation, efforts to amend laws that infringe on free speech and freedom of expression, and advocacy for the development of community radio. The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), which has members throughout the country, is the umbrella body that caters for the welfare of all journalists. It is currently in the process of reforming itself from a trade union to a professional association. The Union runs an insurance scheme for journalists and has come out with a journalists’ salary scale, which it hopes media owners will implement. There was consensus among panellists that the NUJ is often at the forefront of defending the interests of journalists, especially when they come under attack. For instance, regional chapters have boycotted the coverage of some State Houses to protest the arrest and abuse of journalists. International organisations such as Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Reporters Without Borders, Committee to Protect Journalists, International Centre for Journalists, and the International Federation of Journalists, amongst others, are actively involved in defending the cause of journalism in Nigeria by exposing and denouncing abuse, providing training and spearheading advocacy for a freer media. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2011 17