SECTOR 4 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: 2.8 (2005 = 3.6; 2007 = 3.3; 2009 = 2.9) 4.2 The standard of reporting follows the basic principles of accuracy and fairness. Although a code of ethics exists, and is supported by the private media, accuracy, fairness and balance are sometimes found to be lacking within the Botswana media. The reporting is believed to be “generally fair” and is not considered to be “gutter journalism”. Government media reportage is largely considered ruling party propaganda, as reflected in discussions in previous indicators. There appear to be numerous possible reasons for poor reporting, including the fact that many of Botswana’s journalists are young and inexperienced, and do not hunt down enough sources to provide the required information. “Generally, journalists have their integrity and don’t intend to report lies.” It is clear that there is a consistent problem of the inability of private media houses to retain experienced journalists due to poor pay packages, and the fact that corporate / public relations jobs may be more enticing given they remunerate better. This results in a lack of experienced ‘gatekepers’ to give due and professional attention to copy. The lapses with regards to fairness and accuracy may also be a result of the pressure of deadlines faced by media houses as well as a lack of access to information legislation. “Journalists in Botswana operate in an awkward environment, because there is no access to information legislation, so it can be difficult to get to the truth. Generally, journalists have their integrity and don’t intend to report lies.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2011 53