CHAPTER 5: SIGNIFICANT THEMES 2018 AMB This AMB acknowledged some positive developments regarding issues not raised in the preceding AMB. For instance, it highlighted the easing of the broadcasting licence application process, progress towards the institutionalisation of efforts aimed at media development, the formation of a media consortium for advocacy work on issues that affect the media, and the ongoing consultations on the Broadcasting Bill. Negative developments included increased brutal attacks against journalists, increased corruption in journalism, self-censorship and poor content, and the inactivity of media associations. This showed a significant escalation in challenges faced by the media during the four years between AMBs. Recommendations in the 2018 AMB included advocacy around media law reforms and journalists’ working conditions and protection. Ghana 2011 AMB Positive developments highlighted in this AMB included the expansion of media operators and, by extension, greater media diversity and pluralism. It also mentioned an improved quality of journalism and the availability of training institutions. Nonetheless, it also highlighted sluggish progress regarding the public broadcasting reform, no progress in the development of the Right to Information Bill and the Broadcasting Bill, and a decline in professional journalism standards. Recommendations included strengthening the National Media Commission through increased funding and independence from state authorities, streamlining broadcasting regulation, and advocacy for an independent and well-funded Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. 2013 AMB Positive developments in this AMB included increased advocacy for the Right to Information Bill, improved quality in journalism at some publications, and increased access to the internet. Nonetheless, these improvements were counteracted by developments such as political polarisation and the tabloidisation of news, the arrest of journalists, corruption in journalism, and the stalling of the Broadcasting Bill and the Right to Information Bill. Notably, the issues that required intervention increased from the previous AMB. Recommendations touched on several challenges, including the need for journalists to be acquainted with various codes of ethics; development of policies that promote equality, especially in terms of gender; advocacy for the 27 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER 11 YEARS IN REVIEW