CHAPTER 5: SIGNIFICANT THEMES and whistle-blowers, restrictive additions to the Research, Science and Technology Act of 2004, lack of consultation in the development of relevant legislation, lack of diverse voices, inadequate regulation of competition, limited independence of the national broadcaster, and the poor working conditions of journalists. Recommendations included a review of journalists’ salaries, the establishment of a formal structure representing journalists, systematic training of journalists, the development and passing of an access to information law, checking the Electronic Communications and Cybercrimes Bill for restrictive provisions, the improvement of journalists’ working conditions, strengthening self-regulation mechanisms, engaging with the question of ethics in journalism, and enhancing media literacy and diversity in citizen engagement. 2018 AMB Positive developments in this AMB included the expansion of the media sector due to new media houses and community radio stations, increased citizen engagement in social media, revision of the Code of Ethics in 2016, and the digitalisation of the NBC. Recommendations included enacting the Access to Information Bill, further research into Namibia’s media landscape, establishing a journalists’ union, mainstreaming key populations, balanced and sensitive coverage of minority groups, media law reform and the activation of a fund to support community broadcasters. Nigeria 2011 AMB Positive developments mentioned in this AMB included passing the Freedom of Information Act in 2011, appointing an Ombudsman in 2009 to control and regulate journalism, a more diverse media due to new radio and television station licensing, and improved relations between the government and media. Negative developments highlighted that journalists continued to be targeted by violence, the welfare of journalists was poor, a decrease in newspaper circulation, the closure of state-owned newspapers due to lack of funding and the biased reporting of the state broadcaster. Recommendations included improving the welfare of journalists to ensure professionalism, transforming the state broadcaster into a public broadcaster and more independence for the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission. 36 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER 11 YEARS IN REVIEW