![[Botswana] Few jobs are available for young women. [Date picture taken: November 2005]](https://assets.thenewhumanitarian.org/s3fs-public/styles/responsive_large_2x/public/images/2005111022.jpg.webp?itok=Imslh9OX "The search continues for a female-controlled prevention method")
After a four-year delay, Botswana has published a draft policy for its broadcasting industry.
The Botswana Broadcasting Bill seeks to establish a three-tier broadcast service: public, private and community. At present there is a national state broadcaster, while the private sector has two radio stations and a private television station, Gaborone Broadcasting Corporation. Private electronic media are confined to broadcasts within the capital, Gaborone.
Modise Maphanyane, national director of the Botswana-based Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), welcomed the proposals.
"We have been waiting for this for four years, so we would like to see it come and pass. The draft is generally good, but it should also give real power to regulate legitimate broadcasting processes to the National Broadcasting Board set up in terms of the National Broadcasting Bill of 1998."
He pointed out that "Botswana is the only country without community broadcasting services in southern Africa. This does not augur well for the democratic credentials that have been credited to this country."
The policy draft says private broadcasting services should offer unbiased, independent and comprehensive news and current affairs programming, and calls for both a competitive and transparent process in awarding frequencies, but did not say how many licenses would be granted for radio and television services.
Proposals for introducing community broadcasting services are also outlined, with a community defined as geographically founded or a community of interest. These broadcasters would be accountable to the community they serve through organised structures ensuring community control, and offer community-driven programming.
Community broadcasters should be sensitive to the language, traditions, beliefs and culture of their target audience, while reflecting the broader national interest. Although the bill prefers the use of local funding, it does allow donor funding on condition that it is reviewed every two years.
Presenting the bill to parliament last week, communications minister Pelomoni-Venson Moitoi said a "minimum shareholding by citizens will be defined, with the possibility of higher foreign shareholding if this is in the interest of the development of the broadcasting industry. However, services wholly owned by foreign entities will not be licensed."
The document also proposes that a public watchdog be set up. Media organisations have complained in the past of the partisan nature of government-owned television and radio stations.
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The Botswana Broadcasting Bill seeks to establish a three-tier broadcast service: public, private and community. At present there is a national state broadcaster, while the private sector has two radio stations and a private television station, Gaborone Broadcasting Corporation. Private electronic media are confined to broadcasts within the capital, Gaborone.
Modise Maphanyane, national director of the Botswana-based Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), welcomed the proposals.
"We have been waiting for this for four years, so we would like to see it come and pass. The draft is generally good, but it should also give real power to regulate legitimate broadcasting processes to the National Broadcasting Board set up in terms of the National Broadcasting Bill of 1998."
He pointed out that "Botswana is the only country without community broadcasting services in southern Africa. This does not augur well for the democratic credentials that have been credited to this country."
The policy draft says private broadcasting services should offer unbiased, independent and comprehensive news and current affairs programming, and calls for both a competitive and transparent process in awarding frequencies, but did not say how many licenses would be granted for radio and television services.
Proposals for introducing community broadcasting services are also outlined, with a community defined as geographically founded or a community of interest. These broadcasters would be accountable to the community they serve through organised structures ensuring community control, and offer community-driven programming.
Community broadcasters should be sensitive to the language, traditions, beliefs and culture of their target audience, while reflecting the broader national interest. Although the bill prefers the use of local funding, it does allow donor funding on condition that it is reviewed every two years.
Presenting the bill to parliament last week, communications minister Pelomoni-Venson Moitoi said a "minimum shareholding by citizens will be defined, with the possibility of higher foreign shareholding if this is in the interest of the development of the broadcasting industry. However, services wholly owned by foreign entities will not be licensed."
The document also proposes that a public watchdog be set up. Media organisations have complained in the past of the partisan nature of government-owned television and radio stations.
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This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions
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