munity and commercial broadcasting as competition. A religious radio station, Voice of the Church (VOC), was granted a license under unclear circumstances. Likewise, the Swaziland Television Authority Act, 1983 entrenches the monopoly of the state over the television industry. It is not clear how the only private TV station, Channel Swazi, obtained its license. However, an all-inclusive ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) policy to regulate the broadcasting industry was recently finalised by stakeholders and is awaiting government approval. The proposed policy will allow for public, commercial and community broadcasters. SCORES: Individual scores: 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1 Average score: 1.1 2.5 Community broadcasting enjoys special promotion given its potential to broaden access by poor and rural communities. ANALYSIS: Due to the prevailing environment where the airwaves are controlled by the state, there are still no community radio stations in operation. There have been a number of applications for community radio licenses brought before the Minister for Public Service and Information, but from recent reports it would appear that these applications never get finalised and are left to be handled casually by officials at the state radio station. MISA is currently engaged in a major campaign for the freeing of the airwaves to enable the launch of community radio stations. Already, communities such as Lubombo are ready to go on air as soon as the airwaves are freed and a license is granted. SCORES: Individual scores: 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 Average score: 1.1 2.6 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference. ANALYSIS: Although the Swazi Observer is owned by the King (through a royal conglomerate), the newspaper is free to criticise the government - but there has been an uneasy tolerance of the paper’s criticism of government corruption. The Prime Minister seems to think that the paper is part of government but the Observer seems to stand firm. However, its editorial policy restricts it from criticising the King and the Queen Mother. The newspaper knows its limits and obliges. (The private Times also writes only positive stories about the monarchy – “they are in the same boat as the Observer”.) SCORES: Individual scores: 2, 1, 4, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1 Average score 1.9 So This Is Democracy? 2005 -250- Media Institute of Southern Africa