SECTOR 2 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: 3.5 (2012 = 3.6; 2010 = 2.8; 2007 = 3.7) 2.10 Private broadcasters deliver a minimum of quality public interest programmes. “Private broadcasters do not give us quality content.” “Yes, they provide a minimal amount, but the quality is questionable.” According to the Communications Act, private broadcasters should deliver a minimum quality standard in their programming, or face the prospect of being shut down. “If they are still running, perhaps they are meeting the minimum standards prescribed by UCC.” Of the more than 270 radio stations on the air, “there are a few that deliver public interest programmes, but most do talk shows and music.” Cost presents a major hindrance for private television broadcasters in providing quality public interest programming. “Private broadcasters simply cannot deliver on a minimum bouquet of public interest programmes due to cost. Even the public broadcaster is unable to fully deliver in this regard, and quality is iffy.” Private broadcasters tend to focus on programming that is cheaper to create, and that will draw larger audiences and provide higher ratings. They “recreate foreign shows such as Cheaters, which are very low quality, but everybody is watching.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2016 45