SECTOR 3 3.11 The state/public broadcaster offers as much diverse and creative local content as economically achievable. When a programme is aired at the beginning of the week, it is then aired repeatedly throughout the week. There are numerous initiatives where local artistes pair up with producers from South Africa on programmes like Urban Grooves. This is being well received because the state-run media are showing and playing more locally produced music than they did before. In recent months local production companies have taken the initiative to produce their own material, but the State is not interested in using the content and has not even attempted to purchase local productions. These producers are generating music videos, drama, plays, documentaries and poetry readings. The state media is showing budget constraints for their lack of interest. “Technically the state broadcaster does not have the serious budget constraints they claim because they can go to government and claim money. So if they wanted to go and create content in whatever district, they can go but they don’t.” For Lesotho television, it may be cost effective to buy international programmes because it costs less at 425 Maloti (approximately US$50) an episode, whereas local productions are more expensive and often the quality of the production is poor. The State has agreed to support local talent and the new government intends to set up a fund to support local production initiatives. 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: 48 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER LESOTHO 2012 2.0 (2010 = 2.4; 2008 = 1.0; 2006 = 1.0)