SECTOR 3 “There was a board – probably around 2007 – that was very controversial. One member was the sister of the Deputy Minister, another board was the Principal Secretary’s wife, another member was the brother of a Principal Secretary of another and there was a lawyer known to be loyal to the ruling party.” “The whole structure caused public disdain, and created a negative perception of LCA at the time. Even current board members can be associated with certain political parties, and you can tell the political affiliation of the board.” “The legislation gives power to the Minister – even to make new regulations (as per Section 55 of the Act) – and you can’t question how he may have gone about it.” 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: 1.5 (2012 = 1.5; 2010 = 1.4; 2008 = n/a; 2006 = n/a) 3.3 The body, which regulates broadcasting services and licences, does so in the public interest and ensures fairness and a diversity of views broadly representing society at large. Although the Communications Act of 2012 seeks to serve the public interest, a number of issues keep the LCA from effectively carrying out its mandate in an open and fair way, representing diverse views. The principal problem is the structure of the LCA, and how its board members are selected. “The body is not structured in such a way that illustrates that the board is representative of the sector.” Additionally, the LCA is not proactive, and does not investigate how the media it regulates is performing. “The LCA waits for complaints, so it is not really keeping in mind the public interest, and often hides behind the absence of political 44 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Lesotho 2015