SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 4, 4, 4, 5, 4, 4, 4, 5 4.3 (2005 = 3.6) OVERALL SCORE FOR SECTOR 4: 3.2 COUNTRY SCORE 2007: 2.5 (2005 = 3.0) (2005 = 2.2) Developments since 2005 and the way forward Positive developments in the last two years • The most notable developments occurred in the regulatory arena: • The National Broadcasting Board (NBB), has advertised three new national private radio licenses that are expected to be awarded soon. • In October 2006, the proposed broadcasting policy for Botswana was tabled in Parliament, where it was debated at length and later deferred indefinitely. In order to get the process going again, MISA has organised a number of public relations exercises such as breakfast meetings with members of parliament. • There has been some liberalisation of the communication technology sector in the form of the award of service-neutral licensing, which in turn is widely expected to accelerate the merger of the regulators NBB and the Botswana Telecommunications Authority (BTA). It will also allow for the production of more local content and increased accessibility of the mass media. • The government ban on advertising in the various private newspapers has been relaxed or lifted altogether. • The establishment of the Press Council of Botswana (PCB) has had a positive impact. Now most newspapers report more carefully, ethically and sensitively. There has also been a drop in the number of lawsuits – partly because some people now complain to the PCB instead of running to the courts every time they feel maligned by the press. • Generally, previously hostile and antagonistic relations between the local media and the government have improved and this has been attributed in large measure to the establishment of a government ministry that focuses on the media sector and would like it to succeed as its core business – the Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology. Discussions with the new minister and her staff have become more constructive, productive and objective. Negative developments in the last two years • The old Mass Media Bill, which introduces a statutory press council, and a new Security and Intelligence Bill have been tabled in parliament. Given that government So This Is Democracy? 2007 -171- Media Institute of Southern Africa