Botswana
Given the sparsely distributed population, distribution remains the
greatest challenge. Most publications are centered in urban areas or
places with high population concentrations. Most newspaper houses
either distribute their newspapers themselves or use other means
such as subscriptions, use of courier services and various forms of
public transport. BONESA, a company from the Mmegi stable which
had been established in 2005 as a distribution agency, is still operating and has shown great potential to grow. But there is a need for
more capital investment as the company is presently too dependent
on the goodwill of its previous owner. It also needs new vehicles as
the present fleet is old.
There is also a clear need for the company to change its concept
and become more inclusive. Its distribution vehicles and personnel
still carry the original company name and colours. Quite understandably, papers like The Voice have a problem with being distributed by the same vehicle that is advertising their competition.
Talks are presently under way to make more general use of the new
name and trademark BONESA which might bring more of the other
publications on board.
Presently, the government-owned and controlled Daily News is the
paper reaching the widest section of the reading public.
For a time, South African newspapers appeared to enjoy better distribution than the local papers, e.g. through South African owned
trading outlets. This has changed because customers have been demanding their local newspapers.
Regarding internet, urban areas have better access than rural areas – especially remote areas with no electricity or those not being
reached by the national grid. But the number of villages with access
to electricity has been growing in recent years. Nteletsa II, an accelerated village electrification project, has just been announced
and will extend electricity supply to more villages and ensure wider
African Media Barometer - Botswana 2007

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