3.9 The public broadcaster is technically accessible in the entire country. ANALYSIS: Although RM is accessible in all provincial capitals, it certainly does not reach every nook and cranny of the country. TVM covers not yet all ten provincial capitals. With the help of private partnerships in setting up repeaters the station now also reaches some district capitals. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2, 2, 3, 2, 3, 2, 1, 2, 1 2.0 3.10 The public broadcaster offers diverse programming for all interests. ANALYSIS: There are some efforts to make programming as diverse as possible. Every now and then, however, an interested party will approach the broadcaster to transmit its programme against payment. In this way, public service information is often sacrificed to make way for content that brings in some revenue. This has resulted in bona fide public service information creators having to pay to have content broadcast – for example, public health or gender issues. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 2, 2 2.3 3.11 The public broadcaster offers balanced and fair information reflecting the full spectrum of diverse views and opinions. ANALYSIS: Certain issues are just not debated or are simply swept under the carpet. Furthermore, news is ranked according to hierarchy, always starting with the president, ministers and so on. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 1, 2 1.7 3.12 The public broadcaster offers as much diverse and creative local content as economically achievable. ANALYSIS: TVM is offering as much local content as economically achievable but the quality and creativity of the programmes are far from satisfactory. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: So This Is Democracy? 2005 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 2, 3, 2 2.3 -219- Media Institute of Southern Africa