SECTOR 4 The media practices high levels of professional standards. 4.1 The standard of reporting follows the basic principles of accuracy and fairness. The media sector has had a series of challenges with experienced media professionals leaving the profession and going into public relations and communications. Some feel they are not growing professionally, while others are leaving because of their financial needs. Newsrooms are getting younger and so are the editors. This lack of experience and depth comes through in the content. Since there is no legal provision for access to information, journalists have to work with limited information. Despite this, they are performing well. “Many a times they have bright moments, but there are inconsistencies as well and you are left wondering what the writer is trying to communicate.” Panellists explained that when engaging with journalists, it becomes clear that they focus on what they can sell and they are unwilling to admit when they make mistakes. An inaccurate story will be the main headline, but the apology for these inaccuracies very rarely appears on the front page. “We are accurate but the situation makes you look biased. During elections we worked to bring in political party representatives, but the ruling party declined and then you look as though you are biased. They want to dictate their terms and then they rebut or respond.” Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 52 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Botswana 2014 4.0 (2005 = 2.9; 2007 = 2.1; 2009 = 2.8; 2011 = 3.3)