Botswana

Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa roughly the size of Texas or France, with a population estimated at 2,249,104 in July 2018. It has a stable democratic, parliamentary government and a stable economy. Free and fair elections are held regularly, and the constitution provides for fundamental rights and freedoms.

[Page 208]Despite its strong democratic credentials and political stability, the media environment in Botswana is not entirely democratic. A state broadcaster operating out of the president’s office dominates television and radio, and legislation in 2008 introduced a system of registration for all media practitioners and set up a media complaints committee, which comprises only ministerial appointees. The Daily News, which is free and is the biggest circulation newspaper in Botswana, is state owned. State media ...