THE WAY FORWARD 1. What were the developments in the media environment in the last three to four years? Positive Developments • A more stable democracy over the past few decades has opened the civic space and led to the proliferation of media and greater participation of citizens in public life. • Recent stability of the Naira against the United States Dollar appears to be offering greater stability for media organisations following a period of high levels of market volatility and economic recession. However, this very recent, and this development is being monitored closely and with caution. This is not to suggest that there is general stability or improvement among media organisations. • The adoption of the FOI Act offers greater opportunity and mechanisms to access public information, fostering open government and improving the climate in which media can play their role in a democratic society. • The quantitative expansion of the broadcasting sector, particularly community broadcasting as a result of digitisation, brings greater opportunities for the expansion of the value chain in broadcasting and content diversity. • Technological developments and digitalisation are stimulating the entrepreneurial spirit in the media industry. • Increase in broadband penetration is putting users of news and information services at the centre of media production and evolution. • The growth of people power and the role of media in amplifying this is improving the conditions for democratisation. Negative developments 58 • Public and private sector corruption are not as adequately reported through government communication and media as was expected following the 2015 elections. • The prevailing economic conditions and cost of living in Nigeria are severely influencing the low levels of integrity in journalism. • The political and social divisions in Nigerian society are playing themselves out in media outlets. As a result, the apparent multiplicity of views in a rich and diverse media landscape takes on the dimensions of these divisions. • The clamp-down on media by the state has created a greater sense of insecurity among journalists. • The proliferation of digital media and news distribution platforms has substantially increased competition and reduced the available revenue streams traditional/legacy media have relied on. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2019