3.8. The public broadcaster is adequately funded in a manner that protects it from arbitrary interference with its budget. ANALYSIS: The official or public broadcaster has its own allocations in the overall state budget. These allocations include salaries and other expenses. Because of its close ties to and support by the State, it has at its disposal a range of resources granted by the State. Although the exact figures of its budget are not known, it can be said that it is free from outside budgetary interference other than that of the state, which can influence its internal workings. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3.9 4, 4, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1 2.0 The public broadcaster is technically accessible in the entire country. ANALYSIS: Technically, the public/state broadcaster of Angola (radio) covers more than 90% of the country. However, there are areas where the signal is weak and at times non-existent. The broadcaster transmits on shortwave, medium wave and FM in some of the provincial capitals, having improved its signal in recent times with the installation of regional repeaters. This is an ongoing project. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 2, 4, 2 3.1 3.10 The public broadcaster offers diverse programming for all interests. ANALYSIS: There is an effort to increasingly offer more diversified programming, taking into account the very diverse interests in the whole country. The new programme schedules already include programmes that are more open, such as debates reflecting the views of various political groups and not only a single view. A larger degree of openness is noticeable in the capital, while in areas of the interior, programming reflects a more conservative trend, aimed at protecting the interests of the elites in power. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 1, 4, 2, 3, 3, 2, 1, 1 2.1 3.11 The public broadcaster offers balanced and fair information reflecting the full spectrum of diverse views and opinions. ANALYSIS: There is an effort in this direction and the inclusion of more open programmes and of diversified opinion is increasingly noticeable. However, as a result of partisan influence, there perSo This Is Democracy? 2005 -184- Media Institute of Southern Africa