SECTOR 2

linguistic groups on issues of wide-ranging importance, such as health and
development topics.

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:

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✓✓

1.8 (2005 = n/a; 2007 = n/a; 2009 = 1.3;
2011= 1.9; 2014 = 1.9)

2.9 Media cover the full spectrum of economic, cultural,
political, social, national and local perspectives and
conduct investigative stories.
Most newspapers have business sections which some feel cover economic
issues well; while others believe coverage is regurgitative, repetitive and lacks
contextual analysis.
Cultural events are covered but the discussion of cultural issues is missing from
the landscape.
Coverage on socio-economic, political and cultural topics ‘may not be up to
the highest possible standards, but they have been improved.’ This is partly
because the number of experienced journalists in newsrooms who are capable
of analysing and interpreting complex socio-economic and political issues, have
significantly decreased.
Media representatives present were self-critical and described investigative
journalism as ‘the elephant in the room’ because only very limited independent
investigative journalism occurs in the country. Investigative journalists were
described as appearing to have an agenda and therefore throw themselves
deeply into certain areas, while refraining from adequately covering other areas;
e.g. specific political issues or stories about international partners based in the
country.
Yet, the private media has also ‘held two principle characters, the former Head of
the DISS Isaac Kgosi and former President Khama, in this country to account, by
means of thorough investigative stories.’ In 2018, the so-called ‘spy chief’ Isaac
Kgosi, was sacked on allegations of corruption, due in part to the exposure of his
alleged corrupt practices by the media.

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2018

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