|
|
|
|
|
Another research the Chapter
has done is on libel insurance for the media houses in Botswana
. The study or survey was to investigate the possible forms
of insurance for journalists and media houses as regards
libel and defamation threats.
The study assumes that unless this is done, freedom of expression and media freedom
in Botswana can be adversely affected. Libel |
|
threat and cases ultimately
infringe or affect the running of media businesses and instils
fear in the minds of journalists, thus comprising their capability
to report unhindered, and can therefore, create a chilling
effect across the media.
Yet another study has been concluded on the Media Houses Gender and HIV/ Aids
policies. The objective was to ascertain whether media houses have these policies
in place to ensure that both voices of men and women are well represented in
reporting, and also to find out if media houses would use MISA Gender Policy
as a template to formulate theirs.
Currently MISA Botswana is one of the stakeholders consulting with public or
society around the country on Mass Media Communications Bill deliberations.
So far three visits have been done to Molepolole, Masunga and Maun, some of
the main villages in Botswana. One is planned for Tsabong the week of 18th
of April 2005. These are selected villages as samples of the total Botswana
population.
So far what we have noted from the interactions are that the public values
the role of the media and want a media that is free and with access to information,
but also a media that is responsible and writes from a fair and balanced position.
There are clear indications that editorial independence is seen a corner stone
for free media to operate. They want political and commercial considerations
out of media as they feel it may interfere with media's unfetted operations.
They also noted that a minister must have a role that is clearly indicated
and under very specific circumstances that are justifiable in a democratic
society.
These consultations are aimed at appraising the public on the intended Mass
Media Bill which the government of Botswana wants to craft. Government has
clearly indicated to stakeholders that they wish to see the current Task Force's
consulting on principles that will be used by the Government drafts people
to craft the bill. So all they can do is set the minimum principles expected
of this bill and hope that the Attorney Generals' Offices will do the rest
thereafter, once cabinet gives them the go ahead.
The private media stakeholders favoured doing their counter bill to give to
government, but the Ministry of Communications Science and Technology strongly
advised against that strategy and suggested the current dispensation of doing
the principles to guide the drafting of the bill.
Country Profile
| Capital City |
Gaborone |
| Total Area |
582,000 square kilometers |
| Population |
1.69 million (2002) |
| Official languages |
Setswana and English |
| ncome per capita (GDP-US$) |
2988 |
Contacts:
| Mr Modise Maphanyane |
National Director |
| Ms Caroline Phiri-Lubwika |
Information Officer |
| Romang Lephothoe |
Advocacy Officer |
| Tel |
+267 3971972 |
| Fax |
+267 3161196 |
| Cell |
+267 71733242 (Director) |
| Cell |
+267 71733246 (Information Officer) |
| Cell |
+267 71529996 (Advocacy Officer) |
| E-Mail |
misa@info.bw |
| Postal Address |
P/Bag B0 86 Gaborone |
| Physical Address: |
398 Kgasa Close, Extension 4
Gaborone |
Back
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
