Botswana 3.11 The public broadcaster offers balanced and fair information reflecting the full spectrum of diverse views and opinion. ANALYSIS: Given the direct control by government it is difficult for Radio Botswana and Botswana Television to offer fair and balanced information. There is bias towards the state rather than the public interest, with TV news being obliged to cover each and every minister’s activities while paying little attention to stories about civil society (BTV is nicknamed “President Mogae’s TV”). In radio, efforts are made to broadcast reasonably balanced news bulletins, and morning phone chat shows give space to all views and opinions. SCORING: Individual scores: 4, 3, 3, 2, 1, 2, 3, 2, 3 Average score: 2.6 3.12 (2005 = 2.6) The public broadcaster offers as much diverse and creative local content as economically achievable. ANALYSIS: Local content on BTV has increased across the board, in particular in regard to local music. But there are still too few other local productions, such as dramas or talk shows. Radio Botswana promotes local folk music and folk musicians. Royalties to the artists are not being paid, however, by any radio broadcaster in the country, including Radio Botswana. African Media Barometer - Botswana 2007 35