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. 3.2 The appointments procedure for members of the regulatory body is open and transparent and involves civil society. 3.3 The body regulates broadcasting in the public interest and ensures fairness and a diversity of views broadly representing society at large. 3.4 The body’s decisions on licensing in particular are informed by a broadcasting policy developed in a transparent and inclusive manner. 3.5 The public broadcaster is accountable to the public through a board representative of society at large and selected in an independent, open and transparent manner. 3.6 Persons who have vested interests of a political or commercial nature are excluded from possible membership in the board, i.e. office bearers with the state and political parties as well as those with a financial interest in the broadcasting industry. 3.7 The editorial independence of the public broadcaster from commercial pressure and political influence is guaranteed by law and practised. 3.8 The public broadcaster is adequately funded in a manner that protects it from arbitrary interference with its budget. 3.9 The public broadcaster is technically accessible in the entire country. 3.10 The public broadcaster offers diverse programming for all interests. 3.11 The public broadcaster offers balanced and fair information reflecting the full spectrum of diverse views and opinions. 3.12 The public broadcaster offers as much diverse and creative local content as economically achievable. Sector 4 The media practice high levels of professional standards 4.1 The media follow voluntary codes of professional standards which are enforced by self-regulatory bodies 4.2 The standard of reporting follows the basic principles of accuracy and fairness. 4.3 The media cover the full spectrum of events, issues and cultures, including business/ economics, cultural, local and investigative stories 4.4. Gender mainstreaming is promoted in terms of equal participation of both sexes in the production process. 4.5 Gender mainstreaming is reflected in the editorial content. 4.6 Journalists and editors do not practise self-censorship 4.7 Owners of private media do not interfere with editorial independence 4.8 Salary levels and general working conditions for journalists and other media practitioners are adequate to discourage corruption 4.9 Training facilities offer formal qualification programmes for journalists as well as opportunities to upgrade their skills. 4.10 Journalists and other media practitioners are organised in trade unions and/or professional associations. So This Is Democracy? 2008 -301- Media Institute of Southern Africa