SECTOR 3

Other panellists mentioned that the reach of UTV’s signal has improved in some
areas as new transmitters have been installed. ”I think there have been some
backward steps in some areas and some forward steps in others.”

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:

3.2 (2010: 2.5; 2007: 3.2)

3.9 The state/public broadcaster offers diverse programming formats for all interests.
UBC radio stations broadcast in most of the country’s various languages.
Meanwhile, UTV broadcasts in Swahili, English and Luganda.
“The UBC radio stations have much greater diversity (of programming) than
commercial radio stations. And UBC is the only station in Uganda that consistently
broadcasts live debates from Parliament.”
However, UBC struggles to retain its staff, many of whom tend to move on to
commercial broadcasters once they have been trained. This is partly a result of
weak management and a lack of quality assurance.
Few panellists watch UTV. “Most of us have made the shift to other channels.
That says a lot on the quality of programming.” Those who continue to watch
UTV said there has been considerable improvement in the channel in recent years.
“But it still has a long way to go before it meets the standards of the other
stations.” For example, the technical quality of some UTV’s broadcasts still had
plenty of room for improvement.
Another panellist said: “I want to commend it because it is the only TV that has
helped the Human Rights Commission to broadcast human rights issues. It is UBC
that is consistent in covering agriculture, parliament, and local sports. They are
the ones that cover programmes that affect ordinary people.”

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AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2012

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