SECTOR 4 Developments since 2009 and the Way Forward Positive developments in the media environment in the last two years: • • • • • The registration of the Media Complaints Commission (MCC): Government appears to have accepted media self-regulation - for now. Greater recognition of the importance of training: Increasingly, decision makers within the media recognise the value of training journalists. The introduction of the Journalism and Media Studies degree at the University of Swaziland and the launch of media-related courses at the newly opened Limkokwing University mean there are now more opportunities for media workers to become better qualified. Better working conditions: Overall, there has been an improvement in the pay and conditions of those working in the media. Greater social responsibility of the media: Media houses are taking their corporate social responsibility role more seriously, and are launching campaigns to help citizens in need. The media has been able to collect funds on behalf of people they feature. Adoption of gender policies: A number of media houses have adopted gender policies. Negative developments in the media environment: • • • The change of government: When it was appointed, the current government looked as if it might be an improvement. But it has proved to be heavyhanded when dealing with the media, and little has changed to improve the media environment. While the registration of the MCC is a positive move, government did this reluctantly, and keeps its bill for a statutory media council on ice. Growing hostility towards media: While attacks against the media may not have increased, both sides of the country’s political divide (government and opposition) show an increasing mistrust of, and hostility towards the media. Journalists have found themselves in the firing line during demonstrations in March/April 2011. Legislators are increasingly critical of the media and getting more nervous and uncertain. The new weeklies: While it is good that new publications have emerged, there is concern about their role, and their apparent disregard for ethical journalism. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SWAZILAND 2011 69