SBIS programming is generally diverse. Whilst the opposition and trade unions are banned from appearing on the airwaves, NGOs and government departments such as police are given free time almost on a daily basis. News is packaged around the King and government ministers. When the King is engaged in a public function, the news and current affairs slots tend to be heavily skewed towards him. Live talk shows are allowed only when they deal with what the government perceives as ‘soft’ or ‘safe’ topics. Programmes considered to be too critical of the status quo have in the past been taken off air. Swazi TV programming is dominated by foreign content. There is hardly any locally produced material except for news. On certain days, the monarchy, particularly the King and Queen Mother, tend to dominate air time. Moves are under way to improve the station’s programming. SCORES: Individual scores: 4, 3, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1 Average score: 2.3 3.11 The public broadcaster offers balanced and fair information reflecting the full spectrum of diverse views and opinions. ANALYSIS: Both SBIS and Swazi TV hardly offer balanced and fair information reflecting the full spectrum of diverse views and opinions. On both stations, royalty and government ministers tend to dominate air time. Whilst Swazi TV occasionally features trade unions and other progressives in their news bulletins, SBIS is a no-go area for the opposition including trade unions. In radio, a current affairs programme aired from 18.15 from time to time attempts to probe issues. SCORES: Individual scores: 2, 2, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1 Average score: 1.6 3.12 The public broadcaster offers as much diverse and creative local content as economically achievable. ANALYSIS: SBIS offers a great deal of local content in its programming on both the SiSwati and the English channel, including radio dramas. Its news contains a lot of local content and other programmes are produced by NGOs and government departments. However, the same cannot be said of Swazi TV. Owing to lack of funds to produce local content, Swazi TV has very few programmes with local content. There are moves by the station to improve programming. SCORES: Individual scores: 4, 3, 2, 3, 1, 3, 4, 1, 1 Average score: 2.4 Overall score for sector 3: So This Is Democracy? 2005 1.8 -257- Media Institute of Southern Africa