SECTOR 3 Broadcasting regulation is transparent and independent; the State broadcaster is transformed into a truly public broadcaster. 3.1 Broadcasting legislation has been passed and is implemented that provides for a conducive environment for public, commercial and community broadcasting. The Communications Act was enacted in April, 2012, and has been partially implemented to date. Clause 38(1) (a) of the Act provides for four categories of broadcasting media; noting that “in granting licences for the provision of broadcasting services, the Authority shall seek to ensure that the public has access to: i. public broadcasting services ii. private broadcasting services iii. commercial broadcasting services and iv. community broadcasting services.” The cost of accessing a broadcasting licence from the LCA is lower for community radio stations (M2,500.00 (US$ 205)) than commercial stations (M10,000(US$ 820)). At one point, government sought to privatise Radio Lesotho, but there have been no efforts towards implementing this idea. “Government uses public radio as its mouthpiece, so privatisation would mean the loss of this propaganda machine.” Overall, panellists felt that the enactment of the Communications Act of 2012 has not contributed to significant change in the broadcasting landscape, and that the government lacks political will to fully implement all its contents. “Even if there are sections being implemented, I haven’t seen any change – not even a slight change – in the broadcasting sector.” “What I see now is not much different from what I saw prior to 2012. You can’t ascribe any growth in the sector to that particular Act.” 42 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Lesotho 2015