DEVELOPMENTS SINCE 2005 AND THE WAY FORWARD 1. Major changes in the media environment: Bills relevant to mass media are before parliament although not yet passed. Media establishments are more united in lobbying on issues affecting the media. Media associations are growing stronger in their organizations and activities. The Government is more sensitive to international conventions and declarations affecting information, communications and mass media. 2. Influencing change: Lobby groups have been active in such areas as human rights, gender issues and freedom of information. The Ministry of Information and Communication and in particular the Permanent Secretary, has involved stakeholders in discussing draft information and ICT policies. Generally the Government has been responsive to human rights issues. 3. Obstacles to positive change: Lack of awareness by parliamentarians on the relationship between freedom of information, mass media, democracy, governance and national development. Most members of parliament view each of these in isolation. Lack of technical expertise for drafting policies. Media owners focus on business interests and this precludes objective view of the role of mass media in society. Lack of partnership between media and civil society. There is need for strong partnerships for sustainability and unity. Partnership would hence focus on sharing of resources and expertise, collaborative lobbying and collaboration with the government on policy issues. Media appear not to be part of societal actors for positive change. They largely mirror society rather that help set the agenda. 4. Future drivers for change: The Public The public has stakes in press freedom as compared to media owners who have commercial interests. The public often complain about media content/programming but do not sufficiently assert their rights as media consumers. 21