Swaziland The media often censor their reporting on cultural issues as well because “some (cultural) subjects are taboo.” For example, the media don’t cover all the goings-on at incwala (the King’s annual men’s ritual) and they have in the past censored the real meaning of rituals at umhlanga (the Reed Dance). Those who dare to expose cultural “secrets” are labelled unSwazi. One of the most powerful causes of self-censorship in the media is the need to protect advertising revenue. Censoring content to protect advertisers has become increasingly common. And since the government and parastatals are the biggest advertisers, this means information critical of government and public bodies can be withheld from the public. Corruption amongst journalists was also cited as a cause of selfcensorship. SCORES: Individual scores: 2, 2, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 2 Average score: 1.5 4.7 (2005=1.4) Owners of private media do not interfere with editorial independence. ANALYSIS: At the main private media outlet, the Times, the owner interferes heavily with editorial independence. The owner is “literally in the newsroom” and regularly sits in on editorial meetings. Staff feel pressure to accede to the owner’s editorial demands and if they don’t, they risk being “victimized”. One of the main reasons owners try to influence editorial content is 40 African Media Barometer - Swaziland 2007