CHAPTER 5: SIGNIFICANT THEMES opportunities for journalists. Recommendations included establishing a journalists’ union, establishing an association to look into media issues, and interventions that improved journalism practices. 2018 AMB Progress observed by this AMB included the discontinuation of criminal defamation, the expansion of digital discursive spaces, the acquisition of a printing press, the introduction of community radio stations and increased public media tolerance. Negative developments included a lack of media policy, sensationalism, the impotence of the Broadcasting Disputes Resolution Panel, and partisanship in the media. Recommendations focused on the need to capacitate the media through mobilisation of funds, spearheading media reform processes, advocating for a strong self-regulating media, and promoting professional journalism. Madagascar 2012 AMB Positive developments noted in this AMB included the increased diversity of publications, radio and television stations; increased journalism training schools; better access to information; and the inclusion of female journalists in newsrooms. Negative developments included political and economic interference in the media, the absence of an enabling legal framework, poor working conditions for journalists, and the impotence of professional journalism organisations. Recommendations included ensuring the adoption of a legal framework to enable media development and improving journalists’ working conditions. 2016 AMB This AMB highlighted transformations fostered by the increased adoption and use of digital tools and media. It noted improvement in multi-mediality in the collection of information, its treatment and the quality of writing, sound and image. It also reported increased programme diversity, with local shows enjoying preference. Negative developments included the media’s involvement in information blackmail and limited regulation, which opened up space for abuse of power by authorities and, arguably, by the media itself. Recommendations included improvement in the working conditions of journalists (as this impacts the quality of their work and ethical practices), the development of a self-regulatory framework and body 30 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER 11 YEARS IN REVIEW