Weak media self-regulation has been used as a pretext for introducing statutory media regulation in Botswana. Envisioned through the Media Practitioners Act (MPA), proponents of statutory regulation insist that this will improve the quality of media and journalism in the country, including the institution of accountability mechanisms. Critics say the legislation will hinder media freedom and freedom of expression as the state will treat journalists, especially those from private media with a heavy hand. It is apparent, however, that weaknesses in self-regulation have given way to ills such as corruption in the media. Journalists routinely accept freebies and bribes without giving much attention to the ethical demands of their profession. Given their comparatively low salaries and poor working conditions, temptations of money, paid domestic and international trips or latest gadgetry (mobile phones, tablets etc.) can be very difficult to resist for some journalists. Not only is the quality of news reports compromised as a result, but corrupt journalists and media managers also turn themselves into lame ducks, unable to hold powerful elites, whose bribes they accept, accountable. Addressing this and other policy issues affecting media in Botswana requires collective action, steered by active and interested bodies. As mentioned above, however, weak media - civil society relations mean that the task at hand will require a lot more energy and commitment if it is to decisively deal with the afflictions in the Botswana media space while harnessing the positive strides that have been made. Poor organisation of media workers’ interests, as evidenced by an almost non-existent Press Council and other journalist unions associations will not carry the day. A free, diverse, plural and independent Media is a prerequisite for democracy if Botswana is to successfully consolidate its democratisation process. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Botswana 2014 9