(MISA/IFEX) – On Monday 22 April 2002, thousands of Radio Botswana listeners were shocked to learn that the much-advertised “Live-Line” programme would not be aired. The popular talk show, which features discussions on topical issues, was called off only 30 minutes before its scheduled time. The station ran an apology instead, to the effect that […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On Monday 22 April 2002, thousands of Radio Botswana listeners were shocked to learn that the much-advertised “Live-Line” programme would not be aired. The popular talk show, which features discussions on topical issues, was called off only 30 minutes before its scheduled time. The station ran an apology instead, to the effect that it could not air the programme due to circumstances beyond its control.
The weekly “Mmegi Monitor” reported that that day’s scheduled programme was to feature a discussion about the scope of the reporting expected from public service media outlets. When questioned about the cancellation of his programme, the producer refused to comment and instead directed the “Mmegi Monitor” to the office of the Director of Information and Broadcasting.
MISA-Botswana National Director Modise Aphanyane was scheduled as a panelist on the cancelled programme. His views on press freedom, especially concerning the independence of the editorial process in light of recent calls by members of parliament to sanitise the public broadcaster’s content, are well known.
Director of Information and Broadcasting Andrew Sesinyi declined to comment on the issue.
Background Information
MISA-Botswana reports that over the last few months, it has witnessed a hunt of persons within the media who seemingly do not tolerate governmental interference in a specific media outlet’s editorial policies.
The general manager of Botswana Television (BTV) recently resigned, apparently on personal grounds. He is the second general manager to have resigned in recent months.
