CHAPTER 5: SIGNIFICANT THEMES Mali 2012 AMB Despite the security and political tensions in the country, several positive improvements were noted in this AMB, including an increase in the media coverage rate, the establishment of new private radio stations (325 were operational at the time), the launch of a second television channel, provision of 3 Video Outside Broadcast Vehicles for the national broadcaster ORTM (Office de Radiodiffusion Télévision du Mali), and the establishment of a digital earth station for transmission and reception by satellite based on C and Ku band. Furthermore, the AMB noted a review of laws and regulations, the enactment of a law on broadcasting, preparation of several bills, expansion of training opportunities, and a reduction in the cost of telecommunications. Negative developments included the poor performance of the Observatory of Professional Conduct of Ethics in the Print Media (self-regulatory body), burning and destruction of radio stations, reduction in assistance to the media, the halting of construction works at the school of journalism, frequent incidents of aggression against and intimidation of journalists, the non-implementation of the collective bargaining agreement, the non-enforcement of the new law on broadcasting, poor working conditions for media workers and decline in the quality of media content. Recommendations included displaying the code of conduct and ethics in media houses, sensitisation on the existing collective agreement, specialisation of journalists in various areas, and mechanisms to develop a partnership between the media and other institutional and financial support organisations. 2016 AMB This AMB highlighted some positive developments, including the National Communication Forum in 2012, plans for a School of Journalism being considered, the establishment of the High Authority for Communication (HAC), ongoing reforms to the ORTM, the emergence of new broadcasters and other media, adoption of the Media Charter for the Respect of the Image of Women and their Right to Information and Expression, and the promise of an increased president’s subsidy for the media. Negative developments included a political environment hostile to criticism, no support for the media in the national budget, slowness in passing laws affecting the press, and failure to implement a collective bargaining agreement. Recommendations included setting up a ‘peer tribunal’, decriminalising press offences, intensifying journalism training and utilising the AMB as an advocacy and reference tool. 33 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER 11 YEARS IN REVIEW