FOREWORD from this report that while gains are celebrated, serious challenges remain or are emerging across Sub-Saharan Africa, even though some countries are doing much better than others in terms of media freedom and freedom of expression, which are necessary ingredients for democracy. We strongly believe this trends analysis will be helpful for all stakeholders, including journalists, academics, civil society organisations, lawmakers and governments who wish to draw lessons from other African countries and juxtapose them with lessons from home to improve their media landscapes. I hope this publication will find its way into the hands of change champions who will use it to bring about the change desired by citizens. I wish you happy reading. Freya Gruenhagen Director, fesmedia Africa