SECTOR 1 controlled organisations feel isolated, especially when they make the effort to support causes. They often risk losing their jobs when they do so and they are not supported by media lobby groups to the extent that journalists working for the private media are. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 3.5 (2010:4.2; 2008:3.1; 2006:2.5) 1.12 Media legislation evolves from meaningful consultations among state institutions, citizens and interest groups. There has been no new media legislation over the last two years but going on past experience the promulgation of media legislation has never been a consultative process. The Broadcasting Services Act, AIPPA and the Interception of Communication Act were all enacted with minimal consultation. There is a process whereby the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Transport and Communication invites members of the media and other stakeholders to attend public hearings but this tends to be a window dressing exercise. People participate but there is no guarantee that their viewpoints will be considered let alone incorporated. Two years ago the government invited stakeholders in the media industry to a meeting in Kariba to discuss AIPPA and other pieces of legislation. Sections of the media decided to boycott the gathering because it was obvious from the programme that the government wanted the media to participate in a process whose outcome was predetermined. If certain media organisations had attended it would have allowed the state to push through its position while claiming that there had been consultation. Further justification for the boycott was provided when two journalists were arrested on the eve of the meeting – this made it quite clear to members of the media that the government was not sincere in working towards reform. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2012 23