SECTOR 3 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: 2.7 (2010:2.7; 2008:3.3; 2006:2.2) 3.10 The state/public broadcaster offers balanced and fair information in news and current affairs, reflecting the full spectrum of diverse views and opinions. People tune in to watch the evening news bulletins but it is obvious that there is no balance - the news are all about ZANU PF and if the MDC-Prime Minister is featured on the bulletin he is either being ridiculed or shown in a negative light. If people on the street are being interviewed, the only opinion you hear is the one that endorses ZANU PF’s view. No alternative viewpoints are ever covered. The so-called political analysts used as expert sources are often politburo members of ZANU PF. Even though there is no written policy that the President should always make headline news, it seems that news producers feel that he should be at the top of the news agenda even when there are stories of more critical importance. It is understood that there is pressure on journalists to edit or abandon certain stories but it is not clear which quarters such pressure is coming from. What is obvious, though, is that journalists seek to play safe and avoid any risk. 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: 1.4 (2010:1.2; 2008:1.5; 2006:1.0) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2012 45