State television, BTV, continues to push a very one-sided viewpoint (that of government/the ruling party) and it has many repeat programmes and not much diversity. BTV ’s programming is described as “boring” and “lacking in creativity”. Some 90 percent of BTV’s local offerings are “talking heads” as the station rarely goes into the field to interview people. This could be attributed to stifling of programme content in order to stick to what has been approved and agreed upon prior to airing. Only two languages are used on both state radio and television: English and Setswana. “People in rural areas and those from low income groups do not watch BTV because they feel it is not relevant to them.” The news on both state radio and television is particularly unbalanced and single-sourced. “BTV and RB 1 and 2 have become channels for government press releases: they will read ministerial statements verbatim. It is that bad.” 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: 1.9 (2005 = 2.6; 2007 = 2.7; 2009 = 1.4) 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. Generally, there is little balance in news and current affairs offered by the state radio and television services, as opposition parties and viewpoints are not given the same platform as the ruling party, which dominates the airwaves. There is also misleading information and propaganda broadcast on BTV and RB 1 and 2. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2011 47