SECTOR 2

2.2
Citizens’ access to domestic and international
media sources is not restricted by state authorities.
Generally there is no restriction on international media coming into the country.
However, if a foreign publication has a story that is offensive to the King, then the
authorities may block the importation of that particular edition at the border, or
take the publication off the newsstands once it is inside the country. A person was
arrested in 2010 for making a copy of a South African newspaper story about a
cabinet minister who was allegedly having an affair with one of the King’s wives.

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:

4.3 (2009: 4.2; 2007: 3.6; 2005: 4.0)

2.3
Efforts are undertaken to increase the scope
of circulation of the print media, particularly to rural
communities.
Newspaper circulation has increased considerably during the last two years. Both
dailies are actively promoting their publications in a bid to boost circulation.
They have undertaken promotional road shows in rural areas together with cosponsors. These road shows combine information about the publications with live
entertainment. The newspapers have also run competitions and weekly draws for
cash prizes, which have increased sales.
Both have expanded their distribution routes further into outlying areas with the
Times of Swaziland using company cars. The Times also offers subscribers home
deliveries.

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SWAZILAND 2011

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Select target paragraph3