ABSTRACT
The legacy of this media control can also be seen in the intolerance by many African countries toward criticism. Media accountability systems in the region are, therefore, often faced with the threat of statutory control and have to ward off incursions into their independence. Ongoing debates about the procedures and substance of media ethical codes and procedures in several of these countries are also testament to the public's recognition of the importance of media accountability systems in the region. The reports in this volume attest to the ongoing struggle to ensure viable, independent media accountability systems in Africa but also to the power of civil society, courageous journalists, and committed publics to push back against encroachments on media freedom and breaches of media ethics. The lack of support and buy-in by journalists and media owners often compound these challenges, resulting in impediments to the successful working of journalists and accountability systems.
