SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3, 4, 4, 4, 2, 4, 4, 2 3.4 (2005=3.8) 3.10 The public broadcaster offers diverse programming for all interests. ANALYSIS SBIS performs reasonably well in providing a wide range of programmes, but some interest groups are not catered for. Several NGOs broadcast programmes on health, social and development issues. There are youth programmes, programmes on women’s issues and a plethora of sports programmes. However, children’s programming is very scant, there are no human rights-based programmes and no programmes servicing minority religious groups. In fact, recently members of the Bahai faith applied for airtime, but were reportedly denied on the basis that they do not preach the gospel. SBIS and the Ministry of Home Affairs are now negotiating their application. There was considerable concern about the station’s continued commitment to broadcast a satirical show called ‘Khalamdumbadumbane’, where the presenters are frequently accused of perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes and being misogynists. It was said the show does a disservice to women and to the cause of gender equality, particularly because the main presenter is the traditional prime minister and wields enormous influence. There is much less diversity of programming on Swazi TV than on radio. The programme guide is still dominated by foreign content – news (CNN and Deutsche Welle), movies and soap operas. There has been a slight increase in local content in the last two years, but the lack of programme diversity is still severe enough to drive many (those who can afford it) to watch South African television. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3, 3, 5, 2, 3, 4, 4, 3 3.4 (2005=2.3) 3.11 The public broadcaster offers balanced and fair information reflecting the full spectrum of diverse views and opinions. ANALYSIS: The last two years have seen a slight improvement at SBIS in providing balanced and fair content. The daily breakfast show, for example, presents a greater diversity of voices and airs opinions that might challenge the status quo. However, in terms of news content, stories are still packaged around the king and the government. Single-sourced stories are common, capturing only the views of government. There is a definite hierarchy that must be followed – stories about the King always lead, followed by the Prime Minister, Cabinet and then individual ministers and MPs. As an example of the preference given to government stories, it was confirmed that if the choice of lead story were between the PM delivering a speech or major bush fires that wiped out hundreds of homes, the PM’s speech would always lead. MPs are allocated exclusive airtime on SBIS once a week to air their views. So This Is Democracy? 2007 -241- Media Institute of Southern Africa