3.7 The editorial independence of the public broadcaster from commercial pressure and political influence is guaranteed by law and practiced. ANALYSIS: The editorial independence of Swazi TV and SBIS is not guaranteed in law, though in practice there is some effort to resist political influence. Journalists at both broadcasters are demonstrating more freedom in editorial decision-making and taking more risks by including progressive voices and running stories critical of government. For example, during the recent strike, trade unionists were given considerable airtime on both SBIS and Swazi TV to air their grievances. In part, this new editorial license has been put down to the protections brought in by the Constitution. But mostly it is thought to be motivated by a staff rebellion against management (particularly in the case of SBIS). In other words, it is not so much fuelled by a desire to fight for media freedom, but rather driven by internal politics and personality issues. Despite efforts to exercise greater editorial independence, journalists still work under considerable constraints. For instance, the crippling border blockades instigated by a group lobbying for political reform were not given any coverage on SBIS. The consensus is that journalists will not be able to resist political influence in editorial decision-making until they have legal protection. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3.8 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2 1.5 (2005=1.1) The public broadcaster is adequately funded in a manner that protects it from arbitrary interference with its budget. ANALYSIS: Neither SBIS nor Swazi TV is adequately funded or protected from budgetary interference. Poor funding is particularly evident at Swazi TV where resources are scarce, quality of programmes is poor and there is very little local content. Swazi TV relies mostly on government subsidies, but supplements its income with license fees and advertising. SBIS is exclusively reliant on government funding. What little advertising income that station generates is directed back into general revenue. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3.9 4, 1, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1, 2 1.9 (2005=2.1) The public broadcaster is technically accessible in the entire country. ANALYSIS: The two channels on state radio, SBIS 1 and SBIS 2, reach approximately 95% of the country. Swazi TV has considerably less coverage at about 75%. So This Is Democracy? 2007 -240- Media Institute of Southern Africa