CHAPTER 5: SIGNIFICANT THEMES 2021 AMB Several positive developments were acknowledged in this AMB, such as the diversification of information sources, access to specialised training for journalists, increased gender inclusivity in the media, economically viable press groups, and the expansion of digital appropriation by the media and society. However, negative developments argued that Mali continued to limit freedom of expression and the media. For instance, the AMB highlighted that the country was characterised by a lack of legal protection of journalists/media sources, internet censorship, lack of consultation when drafting laws, lack of editorial independence of the stateowned press, economic precariousness of media companies, advertising used to exert pressure, lack of regulation of the advertising sector, lack of consideration of the public interest in allocating frequencies, lack of ethical practices, lack of collective bargaining, deteriorating security conditions, lack of press subsidies, lack of regulation of the press online as well as fake news and legal troubles. Recommendations included advocacy for press-related legislative reforms, organising a Malian Media Consultative Forum, building capacity on the fundamentals of journalism, introducing a national event to promote good journalism, and promoting the AMB as an advocacy tool. Mozambique 2011 AMB The 2011 AMB noted that the media in Mozambique was growing in terms of publications and radio and television stations, that the environment was enabling freedom of expression (although the government exerted influence on public media), there was growing public trust in the media, and that there were fewer legal cases against the media. Recommendations emphasised the need to approve broadcasting legislation and for civil society to continue working towards the strengthening of freedom of expression. 2014 AMB In this AMB, consistency in the growth of the media was noted, the Law of the Right to Information was approved, a Response Committee for Advocacy of Freedom of the Press was set up, and the growth of social media use and increased training opportunities for journalists were highlighted. Continued emphasis on the need to defend freedom of expression and the interests of journalists implied continued 34 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER 11 YEARS IN REVIEW