SECTOR 3

3.11 The state/public broadcaster offers as much
diverse and creative local content as economically
achievable.
More than 70 percent of programmes on state-run radio are produced locally.
However, panellists felt the broadcaster shows little creativity when it comes to
scheduling and introducing new programmes or formats. Creativity and diversity
at the broadcaster is hampered by a lack of training, as well as political interference.
As a result of poor human resource (HR) practice, skilled
people end up in jobs that are not suited to their skills.
The state media has a civil service culture. “So how creative
can you get with the mentality of a civil servant? Content
is compromised because of the conflict between journalism
ethics and civil service mentality. They are not reaching
their potential - they could do a lot more.” On the other
hand, some panellists felt that Radio Lesotho is trying, and
producing programmes that private broadcasters are unable
to create owing to the lack of resources.

“So how
creative can
you get with the
mentality of a
civil servant?”

State television, on the other hand, buys old, cheap, foreign programmes instead of
producing its own local content. It argues that local productions are too expensive.

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: 			

2.4 (2008 = 1.0; 2006 = 1.0)

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER LESOTHO 2010

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