SECTOR 4 Developments since 2007 and the Way Forward Positive developments in the media environment in the last two years: 68 o Government has erected new transmitters – an attempt to make information for accessible and to scale up radio coverage. o Private commercial radio stations being granted national broadcasting licences. o The appointment of a presidential media liaison officer, as well as public relations officers within government ministries. o Private journalists are now being invited to accompany the president on foreign trips. o There is an increase in the number of media training opportunities. o The emergence of private television and video production houses. o The filming of the Number One Ladies’ Detective Agency and part-time employment of local actors and producers, thus boosting the Botswana film industry. o The establishment of Coalition for Freedom of Expression (COFEX) two months ago and the Publishers’ Forum four months ago. The latter was not mentioned during the discussion on the four sectors and was only highlighted during this session. o Private radio station Gabz FM now has news in English and Setswana. o o New local radio programmes on state radio services. The introduction on BTV of a new local programme, the magazine show Morning Live, and English and Setswana news broadcasts in the morning, midday and in the evening. o The licensing of the new private radio station, Duma FM. o For the first time ever, a female journalist won the Sports Journalist of the Year Award, annual awards organised by the Botswana National Sports Council. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2009