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of information between government departments and the media. However, we are already learningthat these information officers are inhibiting information sharing and seem poorly positionedto deal with issues of a sensitive nature.Local television productionsBefore the introduction of Botswana Television, critics lamented the cultural bombardment ofthe country by the South African media. After the launch of this homegrown station, sectionsof society lobbied for television programmes with adequate local content. During 2005, anumber of innovative productions were developed, including Re Bina Mmogo, Hot Chilli andThokolosi. These dramas are expected to bolster Batswana’s self-belief, pride and confidenceas envisaged in the National Vision Project. However, concerns have been raised about thequality of some local dramas.Media diversityWhile a new tabloid, Echo, was established early in 2005, interesting developments unfoldedwithin radio and television as well. The National Broadcasting Board (NBB) is set to issuethree new licenses in addition to the two held by Yarona FM and Gabz FM. But this liberalisationof the airwaves has been attacked by existing commercial radio stations on the grounds that thenew stations will crowd out the broadcasting sector. Another criticism is that the two commercialradio stations broadcast only around Gaborone, whereas the forthcoming three will belicensed to broadcast nationally.The NBB is expected in 2006 to award a broadcasting licence to new satellite television stationBlack Earth Communications (BEC). BEC promises to offer customers lower fees than thosecharged by the current South African-based monopoly, Multichoice.Media associationsIn February 2005, the Botswana Media Workers’ Union (BOMEWU) was formed to protectthe industrial, social and intellectual interests of media workers and to help develop the media.It has not yet produced the desired impact, and has yet to elect an executive committee andestablish a formal office.The organisation Journalists against HIV-AIDS in Botswana (JAHABO) was registered inMay 2005. JAHABO aims to show that, besides just writing about HIV-AIDS, journalists arecommitted to addressing the disease in partnership with other stakeholders.The Botswana Media Women’s Association (BOMWA) was formed in July 2003 to confrontissues faced by women media workers, and respond to other gender equality concerns. In2005, however, it faced capacity constraints and failed to hold its annual general meeting toelect an executive committee. Thus, it became inactive before achieving even its basic goals.ConclusionAlthough enormous challenges need to be addressed before the media can become a potenttool for democratic empowerment, development and human rights in Botswana, legislativeand policy frameworks do provide an opportunity for turn-around in the media industry. However,media professionals need to embark on a massive capacity building exercise if this mediarenaissance is to materialise. The leadership required for this transformation must be highlydisciplined, committed and visionary.So This Is Democracy? 2005-40-Media Institute of Southern Africa