SECTOR 2 The media landscape, including new media, is characterised by diversity, independence and sustainability. 2.1 A wide range of sources of information (print, broadcasting, internet, mobile phones) is accessible and affordable to citizens. Print: Lesotho does not have private or state daily newspapers, but several private weekly print publications exist. These include Public Eye, The Lesotho Times, The Sunday Express, The Post, Informative, Mosotho and The Investor (a business news weekly). Moeletsi-oa-Basotho, Mololi, and Leselinyana, also weeklies, are published in the local vernacular - Sesotho. On average, the cost of a newspaper is 5 Maloti (US$0.41). The Informative is distributed free of charge (and is therefore widely read), while the Public Eye costs 6.50 Maloti (US$0.53), and the Investor costs 7 Maloti (US$0.57). For comparative purposes, a loaf of bread costs about 6.80 Maloti (US$0.56). “Newspapers are not affordable for ordinary citizens, and when sold in remote areas, the price is increased, so that it is higher than the cover price.” None of the country’s newspapers have their circulation figures audited, and there are no surveys or ratings on readership. Some panellists stated that distribution figures are kept secret. Distribution of the Lesotho Times is believed to be approximately 10,000 copies per week. Newspapers are distributed primarily in urban areas. “So they might reach all ten districts, but only in their urban centres, not in the rural areas.” Occasionally, members of parliament buy Moeletsi (2 Maloti each (US$ 0.16)) in bulk to distribute in their constituencies, “if there are stories that suit their interests.” As such, this paper is sometimes found in very remote areas. Most newspapers are in English, and panellists noted that the language is not always ‘user friendly’. “It seems most papers are targeted at elites.” Radio There are close to 20 radio stations in Lesotho, and this is the most broadly accessed and cheapest news medium. Stations include: 28 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Lesotho 2015