SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 4.6 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 2 2.3 (2005 = 1.5) Journalists and editors do not practice self-censorship. ANALYSIS: Self-censorship on the part of journalists is common. Botswana is a small society and many people know each other intimately. This leads to a tendency not to report things about each other for fear of being ostracized by one’s own community (“He is my mate, I leave this out …”).. As far as possible, editors try not to censor themselves. But they do face some cultural constraints, such as respect for elders. Sometimes self-censorship is practiced when editors do not cover a story that could damage or offend a potential advertiser or high profile personality. Editors have to live with an “unbelieving society” that thinks newspapers are quite prepared to make up their stories. However, the situation has not become so serious as to have reached a “stage of unhealthiness”. Self censorship should not be confused with holding an opinion or taking a political position – which editors are entitled to do. Editors and journalists are also free to join political parties of their choice but they should not be seen to be blatantly peddling their party-political positions. Most newspapers and journalists, however, are not affiliated to any political party. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 4.7 2, 2, 3, 2, 2, 3, 2, 3 2.4 (2005 = 2.5) Owners of private media do not interfere with editorial independence. ANALYSIS: Most newspaper managements do not interfere with the editorial independence of their publications. Journalists are generally free to write what they want and editors only check their stories to make sure they are accurate and balanced. Editors are encouraged to be independent and non-partisan. This is included in their mission statements and holds true for most print media – with the exception of government media. Newspapers like Mmegi, Botswana Gazette, Sunday Standard and Botswana Guardian have editorial charters which define the relationship between their owners and editors. Some papers are owned by families and individuals who feel they have the right to interfere in the editorial work of their publications. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: So This Is Democracy? 2007 4, 5, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 3 4.0 (2005 = 3.0) -169- Media Institute of Southern Africa