SECTOR 3 3.1 Broadcasting legislation has been passed and is implemented that provides for a conducive environment for public, commercial and community broadcasting There is no specific broadcasting legislation in Lesotho, but the Communications Act of 2012 regulates broadcasting. Section 38 (1) (a) of the Act establishes four categories of broadcasting: public broadcasting services, private broadcasting services, commercial broadcasting services and community broadcasting services. Each category differs with regard to ownership, purpose and coverage requirements. The intention of the Act was to create a conducive environment, but its implementation has had mixed results. For instance, licence fees for radio broadcasters have gone up in the last few years from 3,000 M (212 USD) to 21,000 M (1,480 USD) in certain cases. The Minister of Communications has sweeping powers to close radio stations at will. In one example, he refused to attend the opening of a radio station as he believed the station was promoting an oppositional agenda. The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) enforces the Communications Act. ‘The LCA is a lapdog…it is not using the Communications Act in a way that was intended.’ 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: 35 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER LESOTHO 2018 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓✓✓✓ ✓✓✓ 2.2 (2015: 2.8, 2012: 4.4, 2010: 1.1, 2008: 2.0, 2006: 2.1)