Botswana: Basotho Support Media’s Watchdog Role, but Many Doubt That Their Media Is Free

More than three in four 10 citizens support press freedom from government interference.

Key findings

• More than seven in 10 Basotho (73%) say the media should “constantly investigate and report on government mistakes and corruption.”
• Nearly eight in 10 (77%) insist on media freedom, while 22% endorse a government right to prevent the publication of things it disapproves of.
• In practice, only 38% of citizens say the country’s media is “somewhat free” or “completely free” to report and comment on…