These are worrying times for the media

The annual report is one of the incisive guides into media development in the country. The current one makes for sober reading and every Motswana interested in the proper development of this country should be worried indeed. At a time when the nation is at economic and political crossroads, the state of the media remains dire.

We know for example that in the last few years, laws have been passed that will impact negatively on the media and the ability of Batswana to enjoy access to a vibrant and free press. We have indicated our worries over the Media Practitioners Act. We are alarmed by many aspects of the law and its ability to be abused by the political leadership to have undue influence on private media practitioners.