3.10 The public broadcaster offers diverse programming for all interests as
well as balanced and fair information reflecting the full spectrum of
diverse views and opinions.
ANALYSIS:
Given the direct control by government it is not possible for Radio Botswana and Botswana
Television to offer fair and balanced information and truly diverse programming. There is no
language diversity as minority languages are not catered for. BTV has made some effort in this
regard. On the other hand, overall programming on radio seems more diverse than that on
television.
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

3, 3, 3, 4, 2, 2, 2, 2, 1, 4
2.6

3.11 The public broadcaster offers as much diverse and creative local content
as economically achievable.
ANALYSIS:
BTV has started to commission more local content. However, the quality standards set are so
unreasonably high that the actual share of local content shown is still low. Radio Botswana
promotes folk music and folk musicians.
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

3, 4, 3, 3, 2, 2, 3, 3, 2, 2
2.7

Overall score for sector 3: 1.7
Sector 4. The media practice high levels of professional standards.
4.1

The media follow voluntary codes of professional standards which are
enforced by self-regulatory bodies.

ANALYSIS:
The Press Council started its work in November 2004, using a Code of Ethics. There have
been only a couple of cases so far, among them a complaint from a Member of Parliament over
an infidelity case which is presently on appeal.
Adjudication must been done within 28 days from the day the case is brought to the Press
Council. On the part of the media there is still a lack of willingness to publish the Council’s
judgments
So This Is Democracy? 2005

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Media Institute of Southern Africa

Select target paragraph3