Developments since 2005 and the Way Forward Positive developments in the media environment in the last two years: • The adoption of the Constitution, which guarantees both freedom of expression and media freedom. • Increased public consciousness of the right to freedom of expression and increased effort by the media to enable people to exercise their right to freedom of expression. • The drafting of six new media bills, designed to introduce freedom of information legislation, legislation establishing a public broadcasting corporation and an independent broadcasting regulator, amend the Books and Newspaper Act and replace the outdated Cinematography Act. • Increased editorial freedom and independence at the state broadcasters, spearheaded by journalists willing to challenge the status quo. • The resurrection of the media union with the launch of the Media Workers’ Union of Swaziland (MWUS). • Increased salaries for media practitioners. Negative developments in the media environment in the last two years: • The attempt by government to introduce statutory regulation with the Media Commission Draft Bill 2007. • Little improvement in media diversity. There have been just two entrants to the media industry in the last two years: one monthly magazine and a sports weekly. Notably, there are no new players in the broadcasting sector. • The stagnation of efforts to establish community radio, despite the commitment from government that licenses would be issued after the adoption of the Information and Media Policy two years ago. Main drivers/actors for positive change: • Government’s change in attitude, making it more open to free media activity, has been an important catalyst for change and is evidenced, for example, by government’s efforts to reform some media laws and provide funds to train journalists. • Media managers who are determined to bring about industry reform and development. • The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Swaziland has been instrumental in many different areas of media development, e.g. facilitating exchange programmes and in-house training for journalists, assisting with the launch of the MCC and So This Is Democracy? 2007 -248- Media Institute of Southern Africa