THE WAY FORWARD 1. What were the developments in the media environment in the last three/four years? Positive Developments • The establishment of the Swaziland Communications Commission has brought about some positive changes, including easing the process of applying for broadcasting licences. • The establishment of broadcasting regulations for the issuing of licences. • The appointment of the new Director of Information and Media Development, who has come up with initiatives aimed at media development and has provided for more consultation with the media (in comparison to previous years). • The formation of the media consortium, which seeks to advocate on various media issues, particularly those related to the working conditions of media practitioners. • The ongoing stakeholder consultations on the Broadcasting Bill have been very inclusive and the ministry is making a positive effort in this respect. The Broadcasting Bill Initiative network has been formed to drive the process forward. • The granting of university scholarships by the government for students studying journalism. This will increase access to these programmes and enhance the quality of the media workforce. Negative Developments 2. • The escalating brutality and increased number of attacks against journalists. • Corruption levels in the media are on the increase: this needs to be addressed urgently lest the media becomes wholly captured. • Self-censorship remains at a high level, compromising the independence of the media and the quality of the content produced. • The decline of the SNAJ, the Editors Forum and other professional media bodies is concerning and requires redress as a means of uniting the media on key issues. What kind of activities are needed over the next three/four years? • 60 Law reform and advocacy around the implementation of media legislation and the enactment of the Broadcasting Bill is critical. This advocacy needs to be done in partnership between MISA Swaziland and civil society. It was suggested that MISA convene a stakeholder engagement with civil society actors who are supposed to be active on media issues. It was also suggested that a test case is developed as a strategic advocacy tool in this regard. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ESWATINI 2018