THE WAY FORWARD 1. What were the developments in the media environment in the last three to four years? Positive Developments • Increase in the number of media outlets along with the expansion of social media has pushed against attempts by the authorities to close platforms for free expression. • More training opportunities involving new stakeholders have emerged over the last few years, offering journalists more choice. • Organisations are more vibrant in defending the cause of media and a free press. Negative developments 2. • The political and media space is shrinking, particularly with the introduction of repressive laws since 2015. • Increase in the use of professional bots and trolls on social media to control free speech has produced a chilling effect, limiting free expression. • Women are increasingly presented in disparaging and condescending ways by senior government officials and the media. • Finding sources, particularly official ones, has become very difficult. What kinds of activities are needed over the next three to four years? • Strategic legitimations and advocacy against repressive laws, to be possibly led by CORI. • Increase training on media safety and diversity, to be possibly led by UNESCO/TMF/MCT/THRDC. • Lobby for the revival of media trade unions in coalition with the International Federation of Journalists. Media organisations should make deliberate efforts to mainstream and provide more training opportunities issues, concerning people living with disabilities, gender and human rights. The national human rights commission should provide more training and advocacy on people living with disabilities; gender and human rights. 58 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TANZANIA 2019