CHAPTER 3. METHODOLOGY 3. Methodology This report is a qualitative textual study using thematic analysis to analyse trends. It covers AMBs published between 2011 and 2021 in respect of trends in the media environments across sub-Saharan Africa, recurring themes in these environments, and recurring recommendations. This report does not provide country summaries, as these already exist in individual AMBs. Instead, it highlights significant themes which are expanded "This report provides a bird’s eye view of the recurrent and emerging challenges on the African media scene..." upon by giving examples. This report provides a bird’s eye view of the recurrent and emerging challenges on the African media scene and positive developments, such as the enactment and implementation of progressive laws and policies, while considering their implications for the development of democracy on the continent. An instrument for processing the data (see Appendix A) was developed to allow the researcher to discern thematic trends in the four sectors analysed by AMBs. These are the state of freedom of expression, the media landscape, the broadcasting sector, and professional standards in journalism practice. The discussion of the emerging thematic trends below is based on analysing these discernments at a macro level. 5 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER 11 YEARS IN REVIEW