Broadcasting Reform and Democratization in Botswana

bibliographic database
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Periodical article

Title:	Broadcasting Reform and Democratization in Botswana
Author:	Zaffiro, James J.
Year:	2000
Periodical:	Africa Today
Volume:	47
Issue:	1
Period:	Winter
Pages:	87-102
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Botswana
Subjects:	democracy mass communication Politics and Government Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:	http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/africa_today/v047/47.1zaffiro.pdf
Abstract:	During the 1990s, Botswana broadcasting underwent major politically significant changes. Media reforms have followed closely on the heels of significant political reforms. Media can play a powerful role, articulating and widening protest or reform efforts of social groups. Botswana's mass media aspire to various roles in support of the efforts of social groups to widen and deepen democratic institutions and processes. In doing so, they have taken on tasks which at present are far beyond their capacity to fulfill. Key constraints limiting political roles for African media include 1) undemocratic media-State relations; 2) insufficient media training, experience and professionalism; 3) small media markets; 4) weak civil society groups; and 5) unsupportive political cultures. The major external constraint on media organizations aspiring to more political roles is growing concentration and globalization of ownership by Western media conglomerates. Each inhibits development of open media-society relations. Each is present in Botswana. Each is being addressed and is improving. Bibliogr., sum.