SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3.10 4, 4, 3, 5, 4, 4, 3, 4, 4, 4 3.9 (2005 = 3.0) The public broadcaster offers diverse programming for all interests. ANALYSIS: Generally, ZNBC offers diverse programming. But there are gaps: the service offers no children’s programmes and few local dramas. Economic issues are covered only once in a while and there is a lack of proper sports analysis. ZNBC is uneasy with open debate on the political/ democratization process and prefers pre-recorded political programmes over live discussions. Though some attempts have been made, the corporation has not adequately incorporated the use of sign language in its news bulletins. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2, 2, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 1 1.8 (2005 = 1.3) 3.11 The public broadcaster offers balanced and fair information reflecting the full spectrum of diverse views and opinions. ANALYSIS: Coverage of news and current affairs continues to be heavily slanted in favour of the activities of government and the ruling party, with the president dominating air time and ministers and other state officials following according to rank (“the pyramid”). Coverage of civil society events depends on whether the first lady or a government minister officiates as guest of honour. Whereas opposition political parties are made to pay for air time, the government is given free access for its “Government Forum” programme. Live talk shows are allowed only when they deal with what the government perceives as “soft” or “safe” topics. During phone-in discussions, telephone lines have occasionally been known to suddenly develop “technical faults”, blacking out voices that might have “negative” contributions to make. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 1.1 (2005 = 1.0) 3.12 The public broadcaster offers as much diverse and creative local content as economically achievable. ANALYSIS: ZNBC offers a great deal of local content in its programming, both on radio and television. Its news bulletins contain a lot of local material, perhaps due to its dependence on stories generated by the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), a government unit. ZNBC-TV has continued to allocate air time to vernacular broadcasts in addition to the news in local languages. So This Is Democracy? 2007 -265- Media Institute of Southern Africa