2.10 Private media outlets operate as efficient and professional businesses. ANALYSIS: Lesotho has the longest history of private media, since 1863. Even after independence it was in the hands of the private sector. While the sector is sufficiently skilled, there are concerns about capacity. The industry has not organised itself, i.e. setting standards and developing codes. There is no culture of investigative journalism. There is no follow up of stories such as parliamentary business, the impact of ratifying conventions. Most media houses do not implement professional business management principles from the perspective that sound business practice might positively impact on content/programming. Most media businesses are run as proprietorships, not companies. Score – 3,2,1,3,2,1,2,2 = 2.0 2.11 State media are not subsidised with taxpayers’ money. ANALYSIS: State media is subsidised 100%. Score – 1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1 = 1.0 2.12 Government does not use its power over the placement of advertisements as a means to interfere with media content. ANALYSIS: Public Eye has had to retrench six (6) people as a result of revenue loss after government pulled its advertising. This support is now being given to MoAfrika following its public declaration that it supports/is pro-government. Government also advertises in the party newspaper. Score – 3,1,1,3,2,1,3,1 = 1.9 2.13 The advertising market is large enough to maintain a diversity of media outlets. ANALYSIS: Government holds the bulk of the advertising. So This Is Democracy? 2008 -165- Media Institute of Southern Africa