country. The chapter continues to receive many queries from regional and international media and broadcasting stations for comments and analysis on the media situation in the country. MISA Zambia cited logistical problems and has therefore not been able to produce its planned media freedom ‘Status Reports’. 5.3 The SADC Journalists Under Fire Campaign (Advocacy) Action Alerts help turn spotlights from around the world squarely on those responsible for human rights violations - and this can make a significant difference, as those who violate human rights often rely on the cover of darkness. MISA alerts should therefore be seen as an important advocacy tool for the simple reason that we have seen coordinated letter-writing campaigns help unlock prison doors, lift publication bans and even save lives. Unfortunately the issuing of an action alert does not guarantee the protection of journalists. Practical follow-up is required to move forward the momentum and opportunities created by action alerts. Repeatedly the question has been asked: “You’ve issued an alert, now what?” MISA’s response to this question was the development of the SADC Journalists Under Fire campaign which is designed to offer practical support to journalists who fall victim to media freedom violations. The campaign comprises of six elements, ie. information, direct support strategies, research, training and advocacy and lobby elements. The following activities were undertaken in 2003 as part of the SADC Journalists Under Fire campaign: 5.3.1 Regional information and lobby tour The closure of the Daily News and Daily News on Sunday on September 12, 2003, necessitated the development of a targeted advocacy campaign to highlight the repression of the media. MISA therefore undertook a blitz publicity campaign, in the form of a regional lobby tour of six countries in SADC at the end of September/beginning October 2003. Countries visited included Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. These countries were selected because of their strategic importance in SADC and their potential to positively influence the human rights situation in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabweans delegation included a number of working journalists, editors, MISA office bearers, media lawyers and civil society activists. Delegates were selected on the basis of their credibility and ability to speak authoritatively on media freedom, freedom of expression and socio-economic issues. MISA Annual Report (April 2003 – March 2004) Bornwell Chakaodza, the editor of The Standard newspaper addresses a public discussion forum in Windhoek on October 2, 2003, as part of the regional information and lobby tour 38