SECTOR 3 3.6 The editorial independence of the state/public broadcaster from political influence is guaranteed by law and practised. The SBIS is a government department, while the STVA Act does not guarantee the independence of Swazi TV. “Reporters (at the SBIS) are struggling to produce stories that push the boundaries. But the editors are the gatekeepers.” Editors receive phone calls from politicians and government officials, and are told how stories should be covered. The Director of Broadcasting within the information ministry, who is a political appointee, sets “Reporters (at the the parameters within which the SBIS operates. Often, SBIS) are struggling news items on the 6pm radio news are removed from subsequent bulletins on the instructions of “political to produce stories appointees”. that push the boundaries. But the editors are the gatekeepers.” Some panellists said the state broadcasters did not cover the widespread demonstrations on 12 April 2011. “The morning radio programme usually covers a variety of topics, but on April 12 the government spin doctor was given 45 minutes to give a distorted picture on what had happened.” While not denying that the state broadcasters give a heavy pro-government slant to events, one panellist said Swazi TV did broadcast footage of the 12 April demonstrations, and even showed pictures of protestors being beaten by police. Another panellist said SBIS journalists refused to edit coverage of the protests from the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme, which the station usually airs every day. As a result, the information minister ordered that the programme be taken off air for two days. Reporters at the SBIS are advised to “distance themselves” from stories, rather than put their jobs at risk by being associated with controversial topics, said panellists. Similarly, journalists at Swazi TV realise they cannot “go against government” and therefore avoid “analysing the situation” by asking politicians and government officials probing or awkward questions. Instead, journalists simply allow their interviewees to “state their case”. Members of banned organisations are not allowed to say anything on the two broadcasting services. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SWAZILAND 2011 47