SECTOR 3 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 The lack of independence at the LCA means that broadcasting is not regulated in the interest of the public. Section 38 (1) of the Communications Act talks of diversity in issuing licences, however, in practise this does not happen. The government does not seem interested in granting licences to people or organisations who might oppose it. The LCA issues broadcasting licences upon approval by the minister. Section 27 (2) of the LCA Act states: The [LCA] shall, upon approval by the Minister, issue licences or amend such licences issued, to private and public communication service providers as market conditions and the public interest may warrant. ‘The licensing buck starts and ends with the minister. Hence the issuing of licences is not transparent.’ The minister has immense powers to revoke or suspend a broadcasting licence for many reasons, including non-compliance with licence conditions. There was an incident when MISA-Lesotho went on a drive to promote community broadcasting – the government suspended the issuing of licences during this period. The process was reopened again at a later stage. It is believed that this suspension was due to the government's fear that members of the public would begin opening community broadcasting stations in the rural areas. 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: 37 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER LESOTHO 2018 ✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ 1.2 (2015: 2.5, 2012: 1.7, 2010: 2.0, 2008: 1.1, 2006: 1.0)