The economy certainly is not big enough to support the 1.8 million citizens. Lesotho is dependent on SACU remittances which it will lose in 2009. Media outlets are too many for a reading population of less than 800 000. Most businesses are South African, and use their own newspapers and television, which are distributed in Lesotho. Lesotho has a number of weekly newspapers, no dailies, which limits the scope for advertisers. Score – 2,1,1,1,1,1,1,1 = 1.1 OVERALL SCORE FOR SECTOR 2: 1.9 (2006= 1.6) Sector 3: Broadcasting regulation is transparent and independent; the state broadcaster is transformed into a truly public broadcaster. 3.1 Broadcasting is regulated by an independent body adequately protected against interference, particularly of a political and economic nature. ANALYSIS: The composition of the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) board is a cause for concern; some members are relatives of government officials in positions of conflict of interest. It is not adequately protected against interference. The Chief Executive has to consult the Minister on key decisions according to the recent amendment. This move caused an outcry, because prior to amendment it was progressive. Score – 1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1 = 1.0 3.2 The appointments procedure for members of the regulatory body is open and transparent and involves civil society. ANALYSIS: Calls for applications are made in the media. Initially, according to the Lesotho Telecommunications Act 2000, the procedure was that: Candidates for appointment shall be selected and forwarded to the appointing authority by an Appointments Recommendation Committee which shall consist of(a) a nominee of the Ministry of Communications; (b) a nominee of the Ministry of Finance; (c) a nominee of the Attorney-General’s Chambers; and So This Is Democracy? 2008 -166- Media Institute of Southern Africa