3.7.

The editorial independence of the public broadcasters from
commercial pressure and political influence is guaranteed by law
and practices.

Analysis:
In the law there is protection from political interference. But in practice this is never applied.
SCORES:
Individual scores: 1; 2; 2; 1; 2; 1; 2; 3; 1; 2
Average score: 1.7

3.8.

The public broadcasters are adequately funded in a manner
that protects them from arbitrary interference with its budget.

Analysis:
There is no guarantee whatsoever of financial independence of the public broadcasting services
because their budgets are not decided by the National Parliament. This is done according to
the discretionary powers of the government. The so-called Contracted Programmes that they
must enter with the government are not produced in their totality.
SCORES:
Individual scores: 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1
Average score: 1.0

3.9.

The public broadcaster is technically accessible in the entire
country.

Analysis:
The technical conditions for accessibility have been created. RM (Radio Mozambique) has transmitters in all provinces of the country and broadcasts in almost all the National Languages.
SCORES:
Individual scores: 4; 5; 5; 4; 4; 5; 5; 3; 4; 4
Average score: 4.3

3.10.

The public broadcaster offers diverse programmes for
all interests.

Analysis:
The programming that is offered does not satisfy all the sectors of the Mozambican society.
For instance, as far as religion is concerned, only the Catholic Church has some access to the
airwaves. All other religions are ignored. At the moment the public broadcasters seem to be
property of the young people who have excessive time in their programming. For instance senior
citizens are not even catered for in the programming. Entertainment is only dance music; for
instance the public broadcasters have no programmes on literature.
SCORES:
Individual scores: 3; 3; 3; 3; 3; 3; 3; 3; 2; 3
Average score: 2.9
So This Is Democracy? 2007

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Media Institute of Southern Africa

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