The conflict in the political arena has permeated through to the media with private radio stations taking positions: “You can wake up one morning, listening to a broadcaster talking alone in the studio, pitching one party against another, and even using vulgar language in vernacular.” These divisions have hindered the media sector from being united and consolidating their position on critical issues and therefore, groups formed to advocate for media freedom are not sustainable. The level of consciousness of the public with respect to media policy issues is very limited, and the public “is not generally aware of the importance of media freedom.” There is a paradox in terms of media whereby citizens have access to over 15 radio stations and it is the most broadly accessed and cheapest news medium in the lowlands around the capital Maseru. Lesotho does not have a national daily newspaper but there are a variety of weekly publications available throughout the country. Print publications tend to be confined to urban centres around the country and are primarily in English. The limited reach print publications and the emphasis on the dramatic events that have been taking place means very few social issues are covered unless they are of national interest. The narrow reach and focus of news content have resulted in citizens being disconnected from critical issues directly affecting them. “For example, with the 2015 election, people had limited information on the process and why it was happening. But there may be an element of ‘negligence’ or apathy, as many people don’t even know who their leaders are.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Lesotho 2015 9