CHAPTER 5: SIGNIFICANT THEMES protect journalists, that ZAMEC be operationalised, that mainstream media respond to donor needs to ensure continued funding, that regulatory bodies be converged, and improvement in professionalism and enforced broadcasting guidelines be provided by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA). In addition, it was recommended that the media find new avenues for generating revenue. 2021 AMB This AMB acknowledged the emergence of community radio and television stations, enhanced freedom of expression, and the emergence of social media platforms that expanded citizen engagement. However, moves towards self-regulation had not yet been tabled before parliament. However, it also highlighted negatives such as political interference with the operation of rural radio stations and COVID-19’s impact on the sustainability of media houses, which left them vulnerable to influence by their sources of finance. Other negative developments included revoking at least one television station’s licence, the polarisation of the media online, and fatigue around the lobbying for access to information. It recommended auditing laws that infringe on the Bill of Rights, repealing laws that infringe on freedom of expression, that media owners should ensure professional standards by making resources available, that media workers organise around a strong professional body, and the need to increase safety online where most audiences now access the news. Zimbabwe 2012 AMB Positive developments noted in this AMB included the increased engagement of civil society in media legislation campaigns, strengthened self-regulation, more print media products on the market, and the promotion of women into decision-making posts. Negative developments included lingering restrictive legal framework, the harassment of media activists and journalists, fear-induced self-censorship, an increase in criminal defamation cases, the appointment of board members for public media and regulatory authorities on political grounds, failure to transform the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) into a public broadcaster, the unwillingness to licence community radio stations, the lowering of professional standards, and an increase in corruption by the media. Recommendations included that MISA encourage its members to cover media reform issues, encouraging the Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations to put pressure on the Broadcasting 44 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER 11 YEARS IN REVIEW