Botswana 2.6 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference. ANALYSIS: Government journalists are seen more as government officials and not as journalists per se. There is little independence and a lot of interference. The government media is under the direct control of the minister responsible for the media – the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology. SCORES: Individual scores: 1, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 Average score: 1.2 2.7 Independent news agencies gather and distribute information for all media. ANALYSIS: The government-owned Botswana Press Agency (BOPA) was supposed to gather and distribute information to all media but has failed as it continues to compete with private newspapers. There is a new independent agency which offers news to all publications. It is called Silas News Agency and is owned by Stan Mulenga. SCORES: Individual scores: 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 3, 2, 1, 2 Average score: 1.6 16 African Media Barometer - Botswana 2005