STATE OF THE MEDIA REPORT QUARTER 3. 2020 political party manifestos expected to promise enactment of the ATI Bill once elected into office. The law on Access to Information is critical for the enhancement of transparency, accountability and the role of the media, all of which are essential in a liberal democracy24. Further, such a law could help to alleviate vices such as corruption which thrive in an environment of secrecy. One of the interview participants, a Livingstone-based journalist, highlighted the value of access to information for the media, stating that: For the media to develop, Journalists should have access to information in order to objectively and truthfully report on the happenings and assured of protection against warring political parties. Journalists should also build on skills to be objective, analytical and balanced with a view to develop the country than destroy through inflammatory reports 24 See https://www.cartercenter.org/documents/2012.p df 25