SECTOR 2 To redress the balance and ensure that women’s voices do not continue to be marginalised, The Mountain Star has introduced Speak Out, a column that focuses on pertinent issues for women. 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: 1.5 (2010 = 2.8; 2008 =n/a; 2006 = n/a) 2.8 All media fairly reflect the voices of society in its ethnic, linguistic, religious, political and social diversity. A number of radio stations are faith-based so the focus is on religious news and issues. With the exception of the Bahai Faith, no minority religions are given space. There are five languages that are recognised in Lesotho, sign language, Siphuti, IsiXhosa, SeSotho and English. MoAfrika encourages broadcasts in IsiXhosa and Chinese. Basotho are seen as a homogenous society so there are no preferences given, but generally the media tends to reflect on the issues and the lives of urban communities. There is very little focus on rural areas and issues that impact on them. This is based on the premise that issues of poverty and development do not sell papers. Newspaper content is based on what is perceived to influence the bottom line. There is no doubt that commercial interest drives content. People are featured based on the principle: “what is their claim to fame.” 34 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER LESOTHO 2012