Botswana • Generally, previously hostile and antagonistic relations between the local media and the government have improved and this has been attributed in large measure to the establishment of a government ministry that focuses on the media sector and would like it to succeed as its core business – the Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology. Discussions with the new minister and her staff have become more constructive, productive and objective. Negative developments in the last two years • The old Mass Media Bill, which introduces a statutory press council, and a new Security and Intelligence Bill have been tabled in parliament. Given that government is determined to push through these two widely criticized pieces of legislation designed to curb the freedom of the media, the perceived normalisation of relations between government and the media could perhaps just be a lull before the storm. • There have also been increasing harassment and assaults of photo-journalists at the courts of law and in full view of law enforcement officers who did not bother to arrest the culprits. MISA Botswana has already met with the Commissioner of Police over this matter – who acknowledged that this is unacceptable. Unfortunately, most media houses seem to be doing nothing while members of their staff are being abused and the Botswana Editors’ Forum has also been silent on this matter. • Government is planning to revive its own printing press and stop relying on commercial printers which could dent profitability in the industry. • There is still no access to information legislation in place. 48 African Media Barometer - Botswana 2007