never to be reported on negatively. For instance, the Observer’s policy is to always portray a positive image of the King and Queen Mother. The two are never to be criticised by the newspaper. The same goes for SBIS and Swazi TV. However, with the exception of such cases, the media aspire to be accurate and fair. Evidence of that is the fact that about 70 per cent of stories published or broadcast each day are said to meet this benchmark. SCORES: Individual scores: 4, 3, 3, 2, 1, 4, 2, 2, 2, 3 Average score: 2.6 4.3 The media cover the full spectrum of events, issues and cultures, including business / economics, cultural, local and investigative stories. ANALYSIS: In general media coverage is broad and diverse. The focus, however, tends to be predominantly urban. The rural areas remain marginalized, particularly by the print media. Another challenge regards in-depth and analytical stories. Restrictive media laws, a pervasive climate of fear and the political atmosphere in general have combined to create an environment that effectively inhibits investigative journalism. There are very few instances when investigative stories are published. SCORES: Individual scores: 4, 5, 4, 2, 2, 4, 2, 4, 3, 4 Average score: 3.4 4.4 Gender mainstreaming is promoted in terms of equal participation of both sexes in the production process. ANALYSIS: Progress is slow in regard to gender mainstreaming and the promotion of equal participation of both sexes in the production process. More men than women work in Swaziland media today. There are also very few women in responsible positions in all media outlets. The Times, following the example of the South African Star, is taking steps towards focusing on women as their main target audience. As a result the positions of Business Editor and Entertainment Editor are held by women. At the Observer, the Chief Executive Officer is a woman. Progress is slowed down by cultural norms which look down upon women. Men in all sectors of society feel threatened by the rise of women into higher positions. There is a common perception that women are “in charge of households” and have no time for a job. Another problem hindering women is the cultural norm that women cannot be at work at night, the busiest hours in every news room. “We must admit that we have a problem here.” There are also reports of sexual harassment in the media. Men in higher positions are alleged to seek sexual favours for professional promotion, and women, in turn, are alleged to offer such favours for advantages. So This Is Democracy? 2005 -259- Media Institute of Southern Africa