Botswana SECTOR 4: 4.1 The media practice high levels of professional standards. The media follow voluntary codes of professional standards which are enforced by self-regulatory bodies. ANALYSIS: The Press Council started its work in November 2004, using a Code of Ethics. There have been only a couple of cases so far, among them a complaint from a Member of Parliament over an infidelity case which is presently on appeal. Adjudication must been done within 28 days from the day the case is brought to the Press Council. On the part of the media there is still a lack of willingness to publish the Council’s judgments Generally, however, the Press Council is functional and the Code of Ethics was circulated in media houses and discussed with journalists to ensure that they follow the Code. Unfortunately, the Council is presently under-resourced and therefore not able to do its work as efficiently as it should and to communicate more on its judgments and other activities. It should embark on a campaign to make the public aware of its existence by regularly publishing information on how to report to it. It is also necessary for all media houses to indicate in their imprints that they are members of the Press Council and bound by its Code of Ethics. Overall, the Council is on the right track and most major media players are members. SCORES: Individual scores: 3, 4, 3, 4, 4, 3, 5, 3, 3, 4 Average score: 3.6 30 African Media Barometer - Botswana 2005