MISA Tanzania campaigned around right to information legislation by leading a coalition that, among others, drafted an alternative Right to Information Bill. In 2006 the Tanzanian government developed a sloppy Freedom of Information Bill, which civil society rejected as “repressive and archaic”. Government later withdrew the bill. In Malawi, the delay by government to table the Freedom of Information Bill has given MISA Malawi an opportunity to review and draft an alternative bill that accords with international best practices. A pilot research study was conducted in Namibia to measure public understanding of the right to information. The sampled population comprised journalists, policymakers, civil society, academics and students. The findings reveal overwhelming ignorance on the subject. Over 85 per cent of all respondents had vague or no understanding of their right to information. The research attracted considerable public interest and debate, including from top government officials. To complement expanding interest on the right to information, MISA has developed a Right to Information Model Law to provide technical support to governments as well as to ensure that right to information laws accord with international best practices and openness principles. Beyond 2008 To respond to the general deterioration of media freedom in the region, as well as the increasing number of defamation law suits against the media, MISA is working to revive the defunct Southern Africa Media Lawyers’ Network as a matter of urgency. The intention is for the network to operate as a pool of regional media lawyers to, among others, give legal advice and representation to the media, as well as to develop best practice media policies for the region. The campaign for the right to information remains a priority for 2008/2009. 14 Annual Report 2008