than that on television. The two radio stations offer programming for most interests, news
every hour (in both main languages), current affairs, entertainment, local music, sports, and
call-in shows. On BTV local content has increased, with the station catering for youth interests,
broadcasting local music programmes on most days of the week, and covering local sports.
There is no language diversity as no languages other than English and Setswana are being
catered for.
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

3.11

4, 3, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 2, 3
2.7
(2005 = 2.6)

The public broadcaster offers balanced and fair information
reflecting the full spectrum of diverse views and opinion.

ANALYSIS:
Given the direct control by government it is difficult for Radio Botswana and Botswana Television to offer fair and balanced information. There is bias towards the state rather than the public
interest, with TV news being obliged to cover each and every minister’s activities while paying
little attention to stories about civil society (BTV is nicknamed “President Mogae’s TV”). In
radio, efforts are made to broadcast reasonably balanced news bulletins, and morning phone
chat shows give space to all views and opinions.
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

3.12

4, 3, 3, 2, 1, 2, 3, 2, 3
2.6
(2005 = 2.6)

The public broadcaster offers as much diverse and creative local
content as economically achievable.

ANALYSIS:
Local content on BTV has increased across the board, in particular in regard to local music. But
there are still too few other local productions, such as dramas or talk shows.
Radio Botswana promotes local folk music and folk musicians. Royalties to the artists are not
being paid, however, by any radio broadcaster in the country, including Radio Botswana.
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

4, 3, 2, 4, 2, 4, 3, 2, 4
3.1
(2005 = 2.7)

OVERALL SCORE FOR SECTOR 3: 2.0

(2005 = 1.7)

So This Is Democracy? 2007

Media Institute of Southern Africa

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