Recent developments and the way forward 1. Developments in the media environment over the last two/three years • • • • • • he media sector has continued to grow in terms of the number of publications and radio and television stations. From a legal viewpoint, there continues to be an enabling environment for the full exercise of freedom of expression although there have been government attempts to exert increased control over the editorial independence of the public media. Public conidence in the media also seems to have increased, as relected in the growing denunciation of irregularities in some public sector institutions. In some cases, these complaints have forced the authorities to act. An example of this includes the denunciation of improper management of State funds by the Aeroportos de Moçambique Company, resulting in the trial and conviction of its managers, including the Chairman of the Board of Directors and a former Minister for Transport and Communications. Quite recently there was a case that led to the resignation of the President of the Constitutional Council. here has also been a substantial reduction in the number of court cases brought against the press. In many instances, these were seen as attempts of intimidation. here has been a slight increase in civil society awareness of the media’s importance as an instrument for strengthening democracy. he creation of a Coalition on the Right of Access to Information (Direito de Acesso à Informação (DAI) is a clear example of this. In February 2011 there was a three-day seminar with the Parliamentary Commission responsible for the media. his meeting provided an opportunity to discuss important media issues with members of the Commission, and covered topics such as the need to implement the regional, continental and international protocols that Mozambique has signed. 2. Activities needed over the next two/three years • • he African Media Barometer report should be widely publicised throughout the country and serve as a lobbying instrument. AMB Mozambique panel members should meet with the GABINFO and the Higher Social Communication Council (Conselho Superior da AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MOZAMBIQUE 2011 125