SECTOR 3

3.7
The state/public broadcaster is adequately
funded in a manner that protects it from arbitrary
interference through its budget and from commercial
pressure.
Analysis:
“There is no
transparency around
the funding of the
state broadcaster.”

The majority of funding for the state broadcaster comes
directly from government through taxpayers’ contributions.
The remainder comes from advertising. The government,
however, does not reveal figures related to the funding of its
television and radio stations, and annual reports are not made
public. Because the majority of the state broadcaster’s funds
come from government, it can cut or increase funding at its
discretion. There is no protection from arbitrary interference.

“There is no transparency around the funding of the state broadcaster. Whatever
the funding may be, however, it does not serve the public interest but only that of
the government.”
There are instances of interference from commercial pressure on BTV, for
example, where programming is fully paid-for by advertisers or sponsors, but it is
not presented to the public as advertorial.

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: 			

48

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2009

1.1 (2005 = n/a; 2007 = n/a)

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