SECTOR 2 who would not get their stories in the papers… This restricted circulation in those areas. Now we set aside space for stories from outlying regions.” The newspaper also has supplements that try to feature up-country stories. On the back of this increase in regional coverage, the paper now has more delivery vehicles and distribution agents operating in these areas. New Vision, on the other hand, has focussed on publishing regional newspapers in local languages, resulting in a growth in circulation of around 50 per cent, said another panellist. NGOs have also tried to make newspapers more accessible in under-served areas by, for example, opening information centres where members of the public can come to read newspapers and other publications. However, other panellists said there is still relatively little information coming from up-country. “Perhaps the newspapers don’t have the money to pay to have journalists up-country.” 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: 3.3 (2010: 2.8; 2007: 2.8) 2.4 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference. The state owns a 53 per cent share in the New Vision publishing house. The rest of the company is listed on the country’s stock exchange. Panellists said there are no regulations controlling the content of New Vision titles. But there is little protecting the titles from interference either. “You have something big happening in the country, but that story is hidden away inside the paper. This suggests that something is going on, that those inside the newspaper say: ‘In order for us to be safe let’s dumb this down.’ I see this happening a lot these days.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2012 33