Draft Media Bill 2025: Reform or refined control?

Friday, May 29, 2026 | 50 Views |

Journalists at work PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

For years, journalists, editors, media scholars and civil society groups have called for the repeal of the outdated Media Practitioners Act, arguing that it failed to reflect the realities of a democratic and digital society.

Botswana’s Draft Media Bill 2025 arrives carrying both promise and suspicion.

The government’s decision to finally open the door to reform was therefore welcomed across the media fraternity. On the surface, the proposed legislation appears progressive, modern and consultative. It speaks the language of media freedom, self-regulation, editorial independence and ethical journalism.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

media bill

Witness details how Mojadigo sexually assaulted minor girl

Larona Makhaiza | 1d ago

Botho University supports climate storytelling

Larona Makhaiza | 26 Jun 2026

The Final Stroke artworks for premium auction

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | 1d ago

Media practitioners urged to humanise LGBTQI+ stories

Johannes Kambai | 1d ago

Bongo Maffin replaces BOP at 70s & 80s Disco Party

Staff Writers | 1d ago

Lack of facilities bleeds rugby coffers

Calistus Kolantsho | 1d ago

Softball warns against zonal teams

Calistus Kolantsho | 1d ago

Youth, women positioned for energy sector opportunities

staff writer | 1d ago

Batswana need to do better to stop FMD

It is a clear signal that the government’s purse is empty and that our own behaviour has left veterinary officials fighting with one hand tied behind their backs. We have been here before. During COVID-19, many of us thought we knew better. We ignored simple rules, we carried on as if the danger was someone else’s problem, and the virus took lives and left our economy on its knees. We are still broke from that experience. Yet now, with FMD...

The Monitor Editor | 02 June 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.