SECTOR 2 2.3 Efforts are undertaken to increase the scope of circulation of the print media, particularly to rural communities. Analysis: In the past Zimbabwe had an excellent distribution network, coupled with a high literacy rate. This has changed dramatically. Presently, for example, the state owned daily The Herald does not even manage to reach Bulawayo, the second biggest city in the country. Before 2000, The Chronicle, a Bulawayo based newspaper, and The Herald were printed in Harare and Bulawayo simultaneously, thus bringing down the costs of distribution. Supply of newsprint has improved over the last year but it is still far too costly for companies to increase distribution especially to rural areas. Communities in rural areas are desperate for information but can hardly afford to buy newspapers even if they are able to access them. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator. 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 1.7 (2008: 1.0 ; 2006:1.3) 2.4 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference Analysis: Zimpapers, the company which publishes print media such as The Herald or The Chronicle, is majority-owned by government which holds 51.9 per cent of the shares, with South African company Old Mutual (one of the biggest financial institutions in Zimbabwe) holding 23.80 per cent and the remaining 25.11 per 34 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2010