CHAPTER 5: SIGNIFICANT THEMES television to existing community radio stations, the diversification of cultural expressions in community radio, RTS’s introduction of regional television channels and the setting up of television web channels. Negative developments included the poor organisation of the advertising sector and distribution of advertising revenue in the absence of a law governing the sector, lack of transparency in the management and allocation of the frequency spectrum, poor governance of state media, ineffective unions of journalists, and a Press Code that is characterised by severe penalties for press offences. The AMB also noted poor governance in the management and distribution of the assistance fund for the media; the absence of a collective bargaining agreement; the impotence of the self-regulatory body, CORED; lack of innovation in the media sector; and the absence of a law on access to information. In addition, it highlighted the persistence of biased reporting in the media; and the granting of community radio station frequencies to politicians. Recommendations included reforms in the advertising sector; fast-tracking the implementation of the Press Code, which was adopted in 2017; enhancing advocacy for good broadcast spectrum frequency management; supporting broadcasting media in the transition to digital broadcasting; re-initiating advocacy for the good governance of public service media and advocacy for the passing of an Access to Information Act as well as launching and disseminating the 2018 AMB. South Africa 2013 AMB Positive developments in this AMB included revising the Press Council and Press Code after an extensive consultation process, launching Africa Check (a donor-funded facility aimed at promoting accuracy in the news), the entrance of the Daily Maverick onto the media market, and the growth of online journalism, and the approval of new broadcasting licences for community radio stations. In addition, the increased usage of social media, which improved citizen participation, was commended. However, the same period was noted for the devastating closure of magazines, the passing of the Protection of State Information Bill in 2013, persistent problems at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), political hostility towards media, and widespread job losses. Recommendations included revising broadcasting regulations, transforming the SABC into a public broadcaster, organising journalists under an effective trade union, and campaigning against the Secrecy Bill. 39 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER 11 YEARS IN REVIEW