CHAPTER 5: SIGNIFICANT THEMES Broadcasting Bill; educating the media on the implications of monopolies; and advocacy for the mobilisation of funds from the Media Development Fund. 2017 AMB The 2017 AMB highlighted a significant increase in digital media use and challenges to the quality of journalism. The Right to Information Bill and Broadcasting Bill had not yet been passed. Recommendations revolved around continuous training on the code of ethics, advocacy for passing the Broadcasting Bill into law, increasing the number of women in newsrooms, using female news sources and raising journalists’ salaries. Kenya 2012 AMB In this AMB, it was highlighted that social media use had grown rapidly; media had adopted multiple channels through which to reach their audiences; media policy had improved, and the environment had become more accommodating; new publications and broadcast services were launched; the new constitution promised progressive legislation; and alternative media gave voice to grassroots people and highlighted issues ignored by mainstream media. Investigative journalism was more prominent, investment in the media sector increased, and local content volume increased, including children’s programming. A significant negative development was that politicians had taken over media houses and influenced editorial decisions along partisan lines. Recommendations included more media engagement in civic/voter education through media/civil society partnerships for media training, promotion of media literacy, increased advocacy for press freedom, passing other legislation to support freedom of expression and the media, and training journalists for conflict reporting. 2016 AMB This AMB mentioned increased media outlets, including regional publications outside the capital. Between 2012 and 2016, the number of radio stations grew from 103 to 147, and television stations from around 20 to 67. It was also noted that the successful digital migration process was expected to lead to more television channels. Other positive developments included increased citizen engagement; more regional reporting owing to devolution; more expert voices; and increased partnerships between local and international media, allowing for improved training 28 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER 11 YEARS IN REVIEW