The way forward 1. What were the major developments in the media environment within the last three and a half years? Positive developments • The holding of the National Communication Forum in 2012 was perhaps the most important development because of its potential to radically change the media landscape. Delegates at the forum recommended many changes to the media law, including the institution of a National Order of Journalists, which is viewed as an important step towards self-regulation. The forum also proposed legislation for new media, a first of its kind. • After years of inactivity the National Communication Council gained a new lease on life and took many more decisions over the last three and a half years. Its actions produced mixed reactions, drawing criticisms for the suspension of journalists and news organs, and receiving praise for dealing with media offenses before they went to court. In 2014, as a means of publicising its work and making it more accessible, the Council published a document on the procedures and steps for receiving and treating complaints. • Compared to previous years, fewer court cases involving journalists were reported. One explanation was the increasing role of the National Communication Council in dealing with media lapses. Another significant contribution to the shift could be attributed to intense pressure on the government by national and international press freedom organisations following the death of a journalist in jail in 201024. Media organisations, especially trade unions, have become more active in reporting abuses against journalists to international pressure groups such as the Committee to Protect Journalists and Journalists without Borders. Social media has also helped in deterring abuses against journalists. • Digital journalism is increasing its share of the media landscape and is set to soar. The number of digital news organs appeared to be rising, while more newspapers, radio and TV stations are running complementary websites. A number of training programmes are helping to raise the standards of online content. 24 www.en.m.wikipedia.org/Germain_Cyrille_Ngota_Ngota