SECTOR 4 Developments since 2008 Positive developments in the media environment: • • ��� • • • • There is greater competition in the media industry. Evidence of this is the increased number of new newspapers and magazines that have come into publication in recent years, along with the improved quality of the media. This has positively resulted in raising the standards of the industry as a whole. The media covers a greater variety of issues. Media coverage is less sensational, and the media is more willing to apologise and to publish corrections if mistakes are made. Radio stations have taken the initiative to train popular presenters, resulting in an improvement in their programmes. MISA has kept the state broadcaster on its toes, as a result of MISA’s monitoring of the media. More of civil society is buying into MISA’s advocacy agenda, and government is taking media freedom issues more seriously. Government is being more proactive about communicating to its citizens through the media. “Every time the Prime Minister goes out, he will hold a press conference on his return.” This renewed attitude is the result of media pressure as well as, perhaps, the influence of the government’s new media strategists. More training is available to media personnel through both the media houses and local universities. “Media houses are beginning to take responsibility for the output of the training institutions, as a way to improve the industry.” There are a small but increasing number of films being produced locally. “There is a growing realisation that there is no local content on television, and the country needs to produce its own programmes.” Negative developments in the media environment: • • • • • Parliament has come up with standing orders barring media from reporting on some of its committees. The economic situation is leading to increased media production costs. Along with recent political developments, this is compromising editorial content. The continued failure of government to endorse and enforce a media policy. Government continues to flex its muscle as a major advertiser and wields this tool to keep the media in line. There are no real and ongoing public debates in the media. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER LESOTHO 2010 63