SECTOR 2 Most private publications in Botswana are, however, available online for free for those who have internet access. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator. 3 Country meets many aspects of indicator but progress may be too recent to judge. 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has been doing so over time. Average score: 1.4 (2005 = 2.9; 2007 = 3.4) 2.4 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference. Analysis: As the government funded print media is controlled directly by the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology there is undue editorial interference and limited independence at these organisations. At the Daily News, for example, the staff has been warned not to express issues critical of government “unless they wanted to get into trouble”. “Government media employees are civil servants, performing the job of ‘information officers’ for the state.” Government media employees are employed under the Public Service Act, which states that they cannot publish public information without authority from the Permanent Secretary or the Ministry of a particular ministry and as such they cannot be independent. “Government media employees are civil servants, performing the job of ‘information officers’ for the state.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2009 31