Botswana Media Landscape, An Elephant In The Room
Tuesday, May 02, 2017
This could explain perhaps why even the UB community radio has not been licensed, because in an ideal situation, the radio could also broadcast programmes from a wider community in which it is based.
In a UNESCO chart showing the role of community broadcasting as an umbilical cord of democracy, Botswana stands out clearly defiant with an empty space for this important social service while Namibia has listed 10, Malawi a record of 24 and Zimbabwe 20 community radio stations, playing an important role in fostering media pluralism, which comparatively does not exist in Botswana.
The fees have been doubled from the previous amounts and raise concerns about political participation accessibility and democratic representation principles.This significant fee increase prompts questions regarding its impact on grassroots democracy.On one hand, the fees act as a filter, ensuring only serious contenders enter the race, potentially reducing frivolous candidacies and generating crucial campaign funds. The BDP argues that aspiring...