52 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER 11 YEARS IN REVIEW Law was repealed. 2016 – Constitutional Court ruled that the Criminal Defamation Law in the Penal Code was unconstitutional. Legal framework still significantly restrictive on the media (14 according to MISA). Self-censorship. Journalists do not completely feel free to express themselves without fear. Military threats against investigative journalists that write critical articles about the LDF. Freedom of Expression/ Media Lesotho Broadcasting Bill 2004 remained un-enacted to protect control. State broadcaster not sufficiently funded which compromises their ability to provide quality and diverse content. Corruption in the media rife. Government does not licence organisations perceived as hostile. Defunct or dysfunctional professional bodies. Poor working conditions and low salaries. No recourse outside the court system for people with grievances against the media. Sensationalisation of news is a problem. The Lesotho Communications Authority not seen as autonomous as it is appointed and controlled by the political head of the Ministry. Journalists at state media operate as both journalists and civil servants. Media Practices/Professional Standards The media seem to have problems with accuracy attributed to lack of training, lack of knowledge of specialised subject areas and the tendency to focus on government officials. Government maintains strict control over broadcasting which is largely controlled through the Communications Ministry. GENERAL COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS Government uses advertising to stifle critical media. Advertising market constricted. No daily paper (since the first AMB). Difficult for new entrants to sustain themselves. Little support for the media from government. Media landscape not diverse in terms of content and organisation. Media polarisation. The Broadcasting Landscape LESOTHO - 2018: THEMATIC TRENDS The Media Landscape Need for media law reform. Mobilisation of funds for local media organisations (not clear whether this is at the national or community levels). Media law reforms and strong self-regulatory media. Need for transforming the state broadcaster into a public broadcaster. RECOMMENDATIONS Revival of professional bodies. Using awards to promote quality journalism. Context provided – Political instability seems endemic to Lesotho although the situation seemed to have improved at the time the 2018 AMB was written. Indicator APPENDIX A APPENDIX A