SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.4 2, 4, 4, 3, 4, 3, 2, 3, 3, 1 2.9 Broadcasting legislation has been passed and is implemented that provides for a conducive environment for public, commercial and community broadcasting. ANALYSIS: A Broadcasting Act has been in place since 1998 which provides for public, private and community broadcasting services. But the development of commercial and community radio stations remains bogged down in bureaucratic haggling and red-tape. In regard to community broadcasting, a number of groups are interested in starting such services but there are concerns in government circles about what these could be used for. As panelists noted, there is generally no respect for or commitment to freedom of expression among the people and government which is due also to historical and cultural reasons. Government fears that the international NGO Survival International could use community radios to promote their messages. This NGO is campaigning against the removal of San people from their original home. Any critic of the government like Survival International is perceived to be a threat to the diamond company Debswana and the government. Government is not willing to give up control over Botswana Television and Radio Botswana. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.5 2, 2, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 1 1.8 Community broadcasting enjoys special promotion given its potential to broaden access by poor and rural communities. ANALYSIS: This is not the case. As stated above, the Botswana government is highly skeptical of community radio because of its perceived potential for abuse or propaganda. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.6 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 1.0 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference. ANALYSIS: Government journalists are seen more as government officials and not as journalists per se. There is little independence and a lot of interference. The government media is under the direct So This Is Democracy? 2005 -195- Media Institute of Southern Africa