SECTOR 3 There are plans to make the state-run Radio Lesotho available via the Internet. In the meantime, Radio Lesotho and the Panos Institute are piloting radio listener clubs in rural Mafeteng district. Radio Lesotho has assigned a reporter to the project, while Panos trains farmers to make their own radio programmes. The programmes are sent to Radio Lesotho in the capital Maseru for editing, and are broadcast during a weekly programme on Radio Lesotho. Panellists said the Agricultural Information Services had started a similar initiative whereby farmers write in with questions for experts, whose answers are then broadcast on air. 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: 4.0 (2008 = 1.4; 2006 = 1.0) 3.9 The state/public broadcaster offers diverse programming formats for all interests. Panellists felt that the state broadcaster is making an effort to provide audiences with a diverse array of programming. Radio Lesotho has phone-in programmes that focus on current affairs, chat shows, magazine programmes, and some locally produced dramas. It also has educational programmes, some of which are used by teachers in schools. “Radio Lesotho is one of the best equipped broadcasters in the region, and has a good reputation for balance - except when it comes to political issues.” Meanwhile, Lesotho TV broadcasts soap operas, cartoons, sport, as well as locally produced chat shows. Lesotho TV also has a programme that investigates social issues such as witchcraft and ritual murders. However, this investigative journalism steers clear of politics. Some panellists questioned the station’s ethical standards as people are often accused or labelled as witches, etc. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER LESOTHO 2010 47