CHAPTER 5: SIGNIFICANT THEMES 2018 AMB Positive developments highlighted in this AMB included the reluctance to move ahead with the statutory Media Appeals Tribunal after self-regulation of the media proved effective, the flourishing of investigative journalism, the proliferation of social media, and the independence of the SABC Board. Negative developments included shrinking media funding, job losses, and the proliferation of fake news. Recommendations were to regulate aspects of media convergence under one department and repeal criminal defamation law. The AMB also called for strengthening the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa to allow for more effective monitoring and enforcement of broadcasting licence stipulations and research into media sustainability. Tanzania 2012 AMB Positive developments highlighted in this AMB included the Media Council of Tanzania’s facilitation of training for journalists, the media’s role in educating citizens about the constitutional reform process, the establishment of Tanzania’s Editors Forum, and the fact that the bills on Access to Information and Media Services were in the process of becoming laws. Negative developments mentioned were that the government’s actions were limiting freedom of expression and the harassment of journalists. Recommendations included the resuscitation of the Tanzania Union of Journalists, that pressure be exerted towards the passing of the Access to Information and Media Services Bills into law, and that media must unite and lobby for the inclusion of issues that affect the media in the new constitution. Also recommended was a skills audit in the media sector and ensuring the enforcement of the code of ethics. 2015 AMB This AMB noted that social media was extending freedom of expression in Tanzania and that digital broadcasting would boost accessibility by increasing viewer numbers. Other positive developments included growth in vibrant investigative journalism and heightened interest by citizens in the constitutional review process. Nonetheless, the report also noted several negative developments, which included excessive use of force towards the media by security officials, a lack of meaningful consultation on new media-related legislation that could potentially suppress freedom of expression, the suspension of newspapers for allegedly publishing 40 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER 11 YEARS IN REVIEW