Botswana 2.6 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference. ANALYSIS: The government media is under the direct control of the minister responsible for the media – the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology. Government journalists are seen more as government officials and not as journalists per se. There is little independence and a lot of interference. The one positive development is the fact that the Department of Broadcasting has recently published more progressive editorial guidelines which proclaim “editorial independence” for its publications. Bold steps are still needed to bring about a more satisfactory situation. SCORING: Individual scores: 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2 Average score: 1.6 2.7 (2005 = 1.2) Local or regional independent news agencies gather and distribute information for all media. ANALYSIS: Sila News Agency, an independent agency which was set up in 2005, is still operating and offering news to all publications. A newcomer is Front Page News, which specializes mainly in feature stories. The government-owned Botswana Press Agency (BOPA) has always made its material available to the private media as well. Most priAfrican Media Barometer - Botswana 2007 21