ATTACKS AGAINST JOURNALISTS INTENSIFY co-regulation of the media industry while at the same time ensuring that journalists hold each other accountable in upholding ethics. MEDIA PLURALISM AND DIVERSITY Lesotho’s mainstream media sector consists of 26 radio stations, 10 newspapers, one magazine, two electronic media agencies and one state owned national television station. The print media industry’s growth has been slowed down by a myriad of problems that include high printing costs and poor advertising revenues. By Lekhetho Ntsukunyane On the other hand, the broadcasting sector, especially radio, has registered steady growth in the last two decades. INTRODUCTION T HE 2021 World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders ranked Lesotho the fifth freest country in Southern African after Namibia, South Africa, Botswana and Malawi. (1) In the world rankings the country was at number 88, down from 86 the previous year, which was a worrying indicator of regression in press freedoms in Lesotho. LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK Lesotho has media laws that protect journalists and the media sector in general. There is need for a deliberate action to amend and where necessary to repeal some outmoded, archaic and repressive laws, which impinge on the right to freedom of expression of opinion. However, on a positive note Parliament passed the Media Policy in 2021 following over 25 years of advocacy for its adoption by MISA Lesotho and stakeholders. (2) The policy offers protection for all citizens to seek, receive and impart information or ideas. It also paves way for the development of stronger constitutional and legal safeguards governing the media sector in Lesotho. The policy eliminated provisions that restricted media freedom and promotes the growth of a vibrant and diverse private media with the media being guaranteed access to public information. More importantly the policy promotes the use of The radio industry grew exponentially towards the end of the 20th century when the government liberalised the airwaves, bringing to a halt state-owned Radio Lesotho’s monopoly. There are 27 terrestrial radio stations and one online radio station while the state owned Lesotho National Broadcasting Services’ television still enjoys a monopoly. Digital media such as blogs, online newspapers, online radio and television stations are also mushrooming. There are only six community radio stations, which are covering six of the 12 districts in the country. JOURNALISTS’ SAFETY AND PROTECTION Lack of security for journalists in Lesotho remains a cause for concern, especially when the STATE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA REPORT 2021 37 LESOTHO