SECTOR 4 4.2 The standard of reporting follows the basic principles of accuracy and fairness. Analysis: While a code of ethics exists for the media, there is a sense that journalists are not following these basic principles and, as mentioned in indicator 4.1, there is nothing in place to ensure that the media houses themselves follow it. There is a tendency for journalists, from the state and the private media, not to get both sides of a story, while misquotes are very common. “Because Botswana has a small population, often if people are unhappy about the way they are represented in the media, they will not make a formal complaint but will speak to their friends in the media.” Some panellists felt that the private media was trying to adhere to the principles of accuracy and fairness, but that their work was made difficult by people not coming forth with information and the lack of access to information legislation, thus leading to speculation. “Considering the political and social context in Botswana, how accurate and fair can the media be? If journalists can’t get information from government on the burning issues of the day, this will impact on the quality of reporting.” There was consensus that the errors in the media were not a result of malice and that newspapers in Botswana were generally “quite conservative” and professional mainstream publications and not sensation-filled tabloids. “...If journalists can’t get information from government on the burning issues of the day, this will impact on the quality of reporting.” 58 Another reason for the numerous mistakes in the media is that media houses are under-resourced and struggle to retain veteran journalists who could play the role of mentor to the many young and inexperienced reporters in the print and broadcast media. Before the University of Botswana established a Media Department in 2003, there were no educational opportunities for would-be journalists. There is also a lack of specialisation in the media as a result of limited funds, and the high staff turnover, as the media is a developing industry chasing a few skilled people. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2009