SECTOR 3

The definition of ‘public broadcasting service’ in the Broadcasting Act falls far
short of internationally accepted standards, as it is defined as “a broadcasting
service provided by any statutory body which is funded either wholly or partly
through State revenues”. Thus, a public broadcaster in this definition is a state
entity, rather a service to the public.
The Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, adopted by
the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, however defines public
broadcasting as being accountable to the public through the legislature, rather
than through the government, being governed by an independent board protected
against political or economic interference, and being editorially independent,
among others.
Vision 2016 also mentions the three-tiers of broadcasting and emphasises their
importance in terms of democracy.

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: 			

1.1 (2005 = 1.8; 2007 = 1.7)

3.2
Broadcasting is regulated by an independent
body adequately protected by law against interference
whose board is appointed – in an open way – involving
civil society and not dominated by any particular
political party.
Analysis:
The appointment of the National Broadcasting Board (NBB) is laid out in part
two of the Broadcasting Act of 1998. It stipulates that the minister (currently the
Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, although at the time that
the act was passed no such ministry existed and the president was responsible

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2009

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Select target paragraph3