SECTOR 2 2.10 Private broadcasters deliver a minimum of quality public interest programmes. For the most part, private broadcasters are not delivering on this mandate because: • • • They have taken political sides and are not objective, They do not cover or promote the development agenda, and They have resorted to tabloid-type coverage that “is damaging to the social fabric”. “Private radio stations are taking political positions, and often make it obvious which party they are aligned to. For example, 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.” Panellists felt that the media no longer promote peace and stability. “It is only those who are level-headed that can draw distinctions between what is quality media and what is not. At the moment, the media are encouraging conflict.” “We are getting a lot of sensation and vitriol on a daily basis, and this is damaging to the social fabric.” “The media are supposed to be agenda-setters, but they’re setting the wrong agenda.” 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: 2.3 (2012 = n/a; 2010 = n/a; 2008 = n/a; 2006 = n/a) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Lesotho 2015 37