academic Tachilisa Balule defines diversity in the media as having several components that include, among others, intellectual and ideological diversity, regional diversity, cultural diversity, cultural diversity and diversity of format. He argues that “… applying these standards to the private media in Botswana, there is a lack of diversity in the sector” (source: Tachilisa Balule, ‘Transparency, Accountability & Corruption in Botswana’, 2008). Broadcasting At the end of 2008, the following radio stations were in operation: Radio Owner Classification Coverage Duma FM Duma FM (PTY) Ltd Private National Gabz FM Your Friend (PTY) Ltd Private National Radio Botswana 1 Government Government National Radio Botswana 2 Government Public/commercial National Voice Of America Foreign State Foreign state World Ya Rona FM Toyen (PTY) Ltd & others Private National Classification Coverage Government National Private Pan-African Private Gaborone radius 25km TV Station Owner Botswana Government Television (BTV) DSTV Multi-Choice Botswana (PTY) Ltd Gaborone Gaborone Broadcasting Broadcasting Co. (PTY) Ltd Company (GBC) Conclusion The increasing diversity, sophistication and rising self-consciousness of media practitioners signify a marked improvement in the media environment. The main challenge facing media is the need to formulate a coherent strategy of constructively engaging the government and mobilising public support with regards to freedom of expression and press freedom. So This Is Democracy? 2008 -19- Media Institute of Southern Africa