CHAPTER 6: ANALYSING THE RECOMMENDATIONS 6. Analysing the Recommendations 6.1 Recurrent issues in the recommendations The previous chapter shows discernible trends regarding recurrent challenges in the media environments across the sub-Saharan African region. These include reluctance by governments to enact access to information; political influence on the editorial aspects of state/public broadcasters and media regulatory bodies; retention and promulgation of restrictive laws; harassment of journalists; the marginalisation of women from leadership positions in the media, and their negative representation in media content; poor working conditions and low salaries for journalists; weak representation of journalists; falling journalistic standards; and corruption in the media. As noted above, these tendencies are primarily shaped by the political context within which the media and civil society operate and have a corrosive impact on developing a "...these tendencies are primarily shaped by the political context within which the media and civil society operate.." democratic culture on the continent. Nonetheless, progress is also discernible in some countries where legal provisions have now been made for access to information (Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique and Nigeria); several community radio stations have been licensed; media diversity and pluralisation have been achieved to a significant degree; and where digital media are allowed to flourish with little hindrance. The recommendations also point to the continued need for a strong and influential civil society involved in improving the operations of journalistic organisations, and developing an enabling and adaptive policy framework in sub-Saharan Africa. 47 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER 11 YEARS IN REVIEW