CHAPTER 5: SIGNIFICANT THEMES radio and television stations; improved internet access; and the establishment of professional organisations. However, it also pointed to challenges such as government interference with the operation of regulatory bodies; a decrease in organisations that support democratisation, and an increase in the assassination of journalists, which is a severe threat to free press. Recommendations included a further review of the operations of the state broadcaster Congolese National Radio Television, continuous training of journalists, campaigning for access to information legislation, the decriminalisation of press offences, and campaigning for freedom of the press and safety of journalists. Eswatini 2011 AMB The 2011 AMB for Eswatini (then Swaziland) took place amid political tension owing to an ongoing multi-pronged social crisis. The few positive developments included the registration of the Media Complaints Commission (MCC) for media self-regulation, greater recognition of the importance of training, improvement in the working conditions and salaries of those in the media and the adoption of gender policies by several media houses. Negative developments included the government’s heavy-handed approach when dealing with the media, growing hostility towards the media by both the government and opposition politicians, and a disregard for ethical issues in journalism. Against this backdrop, the AMB recommended the activation of the MCC, lobbying for a law reform commission to look at all laws in general, strengthening media organisations by encouraging journalists’ involvement in the development of their profession and facilitating greater collaboration between media and training institutions. 2014 AMB In this AMB, Eswatini was credited for creating a platform for interaction between editors and senior politicians, establishing the MCC, enhancing journalism training through a 4-year degree programme at the University of Swaziland, increasing access to the internet, and establishment of the Community Radio Network in 2013. Negative developments included the harassment of editors, the inactivity of the local journalists’ association, and slow legislative reforms. Recommendations included publicising the MCC, reviewing its code of ethics, and advocating for legislative media reform. 26 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER 11 YEARS IN REVIEW