3.7 The editorial independence of the public broadcaster from commercial pressure and political influence is guaranteed by law and practiced. ANALYSIS: The editorial independence of STVA is not guaranteed. The board has the power to censor the content of any programme and other transmissions to ensure that they conform with ‘acceptable moral standards’. In the past, politicians have censored the news and ordered certain programmes viewed as critical of the government off air. The same goes for SBIS which is a government department. SCORES: Individual scores: 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1. Average score: 1.1 3.8 The public broadcaster is adequately funded in a manner that protects it from arbitrary interference with its budget. ANALYSIS: STVA revenue comes from advertising, television license fees and government subsidies. At E10 million a year, government subsidies make up a big chunk of the station’s budget which is thus not protected from arbitrary interference by the state. There is need to improve the collection of license fees so as to cut or reduce reliance on government subsidies. Currently, the STVA uses the door-to-door system of collecting license fees. Because the ad revenue (mainly from South African companies) goes directly to the state treasury, the ratio between the three sources of income is unknown. The national radio, as a government department, is funded exclusively by the state. SCORES: Individual scores: 1, 1, 3, 2, 4, 1, 1, 1, 5 Average score: 2.1 3.9 The public broadcaster is technically accessible in the entire country. ANALYSIS: The state radio, SBIS, with its two channels: English and SiSwati, reaches all parts of the country (about 99 per cent) while Swazi TV covers about 70 per cent of the country. SCORES: Individual scores: 4, 4, 3, 4, 3, 4, 4, 5, 4 Average score: 3.8 3.10 The public broadcaster offers diverse programming for all interests. ANALYSIS: So This Is Democracy? 2005 -256- Media Institute of Southern Africa