3.3. Financial independence In terms of the economic environment, discussants indicated that there had been a deterioration in the media’s financial independence despite improvements in some economic variables-that there had not been a trickledown effect. The discussants noted that during the period there was a continuation (and possible worsening) of the trends of low salaries for media practitioners, lack of resources to conduct news gathering as well as over reliance on news sources for financial support, which had become a trend. They noted that despite these factors, the news judgement of practitioners was not affected as they were still able to collect news objectively. Some discussants, however noted that the dire economic environment for journalists had potential to compromise their work. Discussants noted that during the period under review, journalists stopped providing coverage/attending events/briefings for news sources (mostly government officials) deemed as “stingy” or where monetary gratification was not provided. The discussants further identified negative effects from the fluctuation in fuel prices owing to the monthly adjustment by the Energy Regulation Board. 3.4. Legal environment/Media Regulation Discussants noted that there had not been any significant development in the legal environment, despite several hopes of enactment of a law on Access to Information as well as media regulation during the period under review. The discussants noted that the lack of any meaningful developments in the legal sector for journalists was disappointing. The discussants also noted the need for media regulation given several observations such as mushrooming of several online news publications, lack of minimum wage and conditions for journalists as well as lack of clear protection for media practitioners from arbitrary legal provisions. Discussants, however, bemoaned the lack of clear consensus on media regulation, evidenced by the pulling out of certain media bodies from the group spearheading the process. They also noted that the Bill was not fully representative of the needs of media practitioners as the process of consultation was not as wide as expected. 11