SECTOR 2 2.9 Media cover the full spectrum of economic, culture, political, social, national and local perspectives and conducts investigative stories. In general, it was felt that the commercial media does a good job in trying to cover the full spectrum of events in the country. Panellists noted that there has been investment by some media houses and publications (notably the Times Media Group, Media24, the Mail & Guardian, and the Daily Maverick) into conducting investigative articles, which reflect directly on what is happening in society. “Those that are doing this are doing excellent work.” State media, in the form of SABC radio and television, tends not to be critical of the government, but rather represents it in a positive way through stories on developments that the state is involved in. There are, however, some staff members at the SABC who continue to try to produce news and other programming that is credible and fair. 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: 2.8 (2010: 2.7; 2008: 3.2; 2006: 3.2) 2.10 Private broadcasters deliver a minimum of quality public interest programmes. Private broadcasters are not required to provide “public interest programming” as such, although the free-to-air broadcasters have licence obligations as regards to news. Further, local television content obligations for e.tv are required to be spread across a range of genres, including documentary and informal knowledge building. Private broadcasters, especially through their news bulletins, appear to be making an attempt to provide public interest programming, but their attempts are not AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SOUTH AFRICA 2013 41