SECTOR 3 3.2 Broadcasting is regulated by an independent body adequately protected by law against interference whose board is appointed - in an open way - involving civil society and not dominated by any particular political party. The LCA Act states that the LCA is an “independent and transparent” body with a board made up of seven people. The public is invited to nominate members of the LCA board, although nominations are only open to individuals. Based on the nominations from the public, the PS advises the Minister who should be appointed to the LCA board, and the Minister takes the final decision. At present, the PS’s wife, the deputy Prime Minister’s sister, and the ruling party’s lawyer and its former secretary general all serve on the LCA board, panellists explained. With a view to balancing the “independence and accountability” of the LCA, the 2008 Communications Policy states that the board of the LCA should be appointed by the Minister, and that the Minister’s appointments should be approved by the National Assembly. In terms of the policy, these and other measures for the regulation of the communications sector will be provided for in the new Communications Act, which still has to be tabled in parliament. The Communications Policy also states that the Minister will appoint the LCA’s chief executive officer (CEO) based on the recommendation of the Board. The policy notes that the Minister will be able to fire the LCA CEO, who will be hired for no more than three years at a time. 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: 1.4 (2008 = n/a; 2006 = n/a) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER LESOTHO 2010 41