STATE OF THE MEDIA REPORT QUARTER 4, 2020 The economic environment remained as tumultuous as the second and third quarters with most economic fundamentals posting poor performance. The cost of maintaining media operations remained high mainly due to currency exchange volatility and other factors. The developments in the economic environment, such as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic negatively affected the media throughout the year. Finally, the technological environment in the fourth quarter was somewhat positive as compared to developments in the second and third quarters in which several arrests and negative actions by the State were recorded. It is, therefore, critical that insight is drawn from the findings in line with the recommendations highlighted herein. 5.0. i. RECOMMENDATIONS Safeguarding the sustainability of media enterprises Given the negative economic trends observed in the quarter, it is critical that a stimulus package is introduced and other empowerment schemes also take into cognisant the needs of the media sector. Deliberate moves must be taken through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to develop a package of incentives (tax, non-tax, empowerment) to bail out media houses from what is expected to be a tough year economically. There must be, as a matter of urgency, creation of a specific media stimulus package just like that created for the arts industry through the National Arts Council ii. Need for professionalism and adherence to media ethics There is need for the media (both public and private) to adhere to professional codes of journalism and basic tenets such as objectivity, balance, fairness and the public interest. These tenets are critical if the media are to serve the public and contribute to the attainment of functional democracy. iii. Enactment of Media regulation and Access to Information Bills As a step forward, it is critical that the Access to Information Bill is enacted to improve ability of citizens to hold their government accountable. It is critical that the enactment of a media regulation Bill be approached cautiously with a guarantee P a g e 39 | 56