SCORES: Individual scores: 1, 2, 1, 1, 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: ZNBC revenues come from television license fees, advertising, and government subvention. The license fees are collected through the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) customer billing system and the Residents’ Development Committees in townships. Television license fees have contributed substantially to the recent improvement in ZNBC’s financial position. Government support becomes more pronounced in the run-up to general elections when the government and the ruling party put their propaganda and campaign machinery in motion. SCORES: Individual scores: 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 Average score: 1.1 3.9 The public broadcaster is accessible in the entire country. ANALYSIS: ZNBC radio broadcasts reach all parts of the country while television is accessible only along the urban line of rail and at the provincial administrative centres. SCORES: Individual scores: 4, 3, 2, 2, 4, 3, 3, 3 Average score: 3 3.10 The public broadcaster is independent from commercial pressure and political influence. ANALYSIS: Because of ZNBC’s dominant position in terms of audience figures and geographic reach, both ZNBC Radio and ZNBC-TV enjoy considerable advertising and programme sponsorship support. They can, therefore, be said to be free from commercial pressure. The ruling party, however, exercises decisive political influence over ZNBC. SCORES: Individual scores: 1, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 Average score: 1.3 So This Is Democracy? 2005 -275- Media Institute of Southern Africa