SECTOR 1 1.10 Civil society in general and media lobby groups actively advance the cause of media freedom The fact that the government is now actively talking about media reform can be seen as a result of the proactive efforts of civil society, particular on issues of media freedom and advocacy. The current plans to unbundle the AIPPA legislation, as well as the crafting of media and film industry policies, is a direct result of civil society initiatives. Media organisations have also engaged directly with the police to craft a better relationship. These relations are now much improved, again, as a result of lobbying by civil society organisations such as the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) - Zimbabwe, and the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ). Alerts and awareness-raising initiatives on social media from these civil society organisations are having a positive impact. There have also been court challenges to the internet shut down as well as the constitutionality of the criminal defamation law. Media practitioners have also played a role in this process, but there needs to be more co-operation. ‘Practitioners don’t talk as much about their issues as they should. As journalists, if we don’t speak out on these issues, who is going to speak for you?’ 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: Score of previous years: ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 4.2 2006: 2.5; 2008: 3.1; 2010: 4.2; 2012: 3.5; 2015: 4.7 1.11 Media legislation evolves from meaningful consultations among state institutions, citizens and interest groups Although there is an Inter-ministerial committee that drafts legislation, the information given to them by civil society is not often used. The outcome from government, in contrast to the input from civil society – is often disappointing. ‘There is no sincerity on the part of government.’ 16 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2020