SECTOR 3

3.8
The state/public broadcaster is technically
accessible in the entire country.
Analysis:
The Botswana government is making an effort to have the state broadcaster
technically accessible throughout the country. The coverage of Radio Botswana
1 and 2 is apparently improving, as government is putting up new transmitters.
According to 2007 AMB figures, 85 per cent of the population can access the state
radio service.
Botswana TV can be received via satellite, thus reaching 100 per cent of the
population, or via a standard analogue aerial, which by then reached at least 40 per
cent of the population according to 2007 AMB figures.
The current figures for coverage of BTV and RB 1 and 2 are not publicly available.

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: 			

2.3 (2005 = 3.1; 2007 = 3.9)

3.9
The state/public broadcaster offers diverse
programming for all interests.
Analysis:
The state radio service (RB 1 and 2) seems to offer more diverse programming
than BTV. RB 1 and 2 broadcast much more local content, in terms of current
affairs programmes, music and hourly news during the day. The news, however, is
not very balanced and tends to be very pro-BDP, the ruling party. Radio Botswana
plays more local music than any other radio station in the country.

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2009

49

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