State of the media report Q1-2021 2.0. METHODOLOGY The report is exploratory and descriptive in nature as it mainly aims to present the general state of the media sector in the identified quarters. In compiling this report, a desk review was conducted in which an analysis of various materials pertaining to freedom of expression and the welfare of the media within the quarters under consideration was undertaken. This was augmented by a content analysis of various media publications (electronic, print and online) as well as media violation alerts to establish the common themes with regard to the objectives of the study.The report also employed the use of interviews with purposively selected participants on the basis of their known or presumed knowledge about issues related to or affecting the state of the media. The participants comprised media experts, civil society and legal practitioners, statutory institutions as well as practising journalists to gain a deeper understanding and validation of some of the phenomena observed in the quarter. 9