Television in Botswana: Development and Policy Perspectives Seamogano Mosanako Master of Arts, Journalism (International), University of Westminster (London), 2004 Bachelor of Social Work, University of Botswana, 1996 A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at The University of Queensland in 2014 School of Journalism and Communication 1 Abstract Although numerous scholars across the world have sought to explore the relevance of television for development purposes in various national settings, there is a dearth of literature on the use of television for development in the Botswana context. A national television service, Botswana Television (Btv) was introduced in 2000 by the Botswana Government. However, Btv’s role in national development has received limited research attention. This study examines the role of television in national development in Botswana. In addition, the study explores the factors that influence the performance of television in a developing country context, with a view to suggest issues for consideration in media policy in Botswana to improve the performance of the Btv. This analysis of Btv was conducted through a qualitative research methodology that comprised document analysis, schedule analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. This combination of methods provides data that contributes to a more holistic knowledge of media and development in Botswana. Various documents about Btv and media in Botswana were reviewed to establish the media policy issues relating to television broadcasting in Botswana. The schedule analysis, which was a unique method applied in this study, involved reviewing samples of Btv schedules from 2010 and 2011 to examine Btv’s program output, specifically, the content related to Botswana’s national development priorities. In-depth interviews with 37 participants provided significant insights into the origins, role, and structure of Btv, as well as the socio-economic and political factors that influence the service. Focus group discussions were employed to explore audience perceptions of Btv programs. The study illustrates that the role of television in national development in Botswana is mostly consistent with the role of the media advocated by the modernisation theory of development communication. The roles of Btv in this regard are education, information, entertainment and dissemination of government information. Most research participants in this study shared a common understanding that Btv should be a medium for diffusing development ideas initiated by the Botswana Government, for possible adoption by the public. Other roles of Btv relate to countering the dominance of neighbouring South Africa media content in Botswana, as well as contributing to Botswana’s economic diversification through advertising. The positive factors that validate the applicability of modernisation theory in the analysis of Btv include planning for the introduction of the service, improved transmission signal access, diverse programs that have been aimed at addressing 2 developmental issues such as health, education and agriculture, and the use of the national language. Nonetheless, Btv audiences complained about limited cultural content on the channel. A political economy analysis of the factors influencing the performance of Btv revealed that the absence of a formal media policy framework has exacerbated the political and economic pressures facing Btv, such as state control and limited funding. This study therefore proposes that there is a need for the Botswana Government to introduce appropriate media policy with more emphasis on issues relating to its broadcasting model, objectives, funding, and programming with a view to strengthening and positioning Btv to realise its full potential in contributing to national development in Botswana. 3 Declaration by the author This thesis is composed of my original work, and contains no material previously published or written by another person except where due reference has been made in the text. I have clearly stated the contribution by others to jointly-authored works that I have included in my thesis. I have clearly stated the contribution of others to my thesis as a whole, including statistical assistance, survey design, data analysis, significant technical procedures, professional editorial advice, and any other original research work used or reported in my thesis. The content of my thesis is the result of work I have carried out since the commencement of my research higher degree candidature and does not include a substantial part of work that has been submitted to qualify for the award of any other degree or diploma in any university or other tertiary institution. I have clearly stated which parts of my thesis, if any, have been submitted to qualify for another award. I acknowledge that an electronic copy of my thesis must be lodged with the University Library and, subject to the General Award Rules of The University of Queensland, immediately made available for research and study in accordance with the Copyright Act 1968. I acknowledge that copyright of all material contained in my thesis resides with the copyright holder(s) of that material. Where appropriate I have obtained copyright permission from the copyright holder to reproduce material in this thesis. 4 Publications during candidature “No publications”. Publications included in this thesis “No publications included”. 5 Contributions by others to the thesis “No contributions by others.” Statement of parts of the thesis submitted to qualify for the award of another degree “None” 6 Acknowledgements Many people and institutions contributed to the successful completion of this study. I thank God the Almighty for his grace. My profound gratitude goes to my Principal Supervisor Dr. Levi Obijiofor for seeing this project from beginning to end by offering critical and constructive feedback during his review of my work in the production of this thesis. I thank my associate supervisor Ass. Prof Eric Louw for his suggestions and endless “why” questions that have helped me look at Botswana critically. I thank Ass. Prof. Pradip Thomas for his valuable feedback as a reader throughout the study. I am grateful to all the participants in this study, for their valuable insights. I am thankful to the Department of Broadcasting Services for allowing me to conduct this study, and for their utmost cooperation and assistance during the data collection for this study. A special gratitude to the Botswana Institute of Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) for their financial support that allowed me to pursue my dream of acquiring knowledge. I special appreciation to the University of Botswana for financial support and study leave to allow me to further my studies. I am also thankful to my many cherished friends, and most profoundly Dineo, Maitseo, William, Thuto, Keba and Baphiwe and other African RHD colleagues who were my community and made my stay in Australia bearable. Ke a leboga. Special thanks to colleagues in the School of Journalism and Communication, mostly those in Room 318, Hoa, Elena, Nhuan, Marie, Gerald, Stephen, Sadia and Tamara for engaging conversations about various issues. A special thank you to Dr Chris Lawe- Davies, for his countless support and encouragement throughout my PhD life in Australia. A special thank you to my dearest husband, Selefo who amazingly looked after our three girls; Boipelo, Boitshepo and Anele, while I was way from home studying. Thanks for your encouragement; you have been a pillar of my strength. Thanks to the girls for always praying for mummy to finish and come back home. You were all very patient with me. Ke a leboga. Thanks to my mum, family, pastors and friends in Botswana for all your well wishes and prayers. 7 Keywords Africa, Botswana, broadcasting, Btv, development communication, media policy, modernisation, national development, television Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classifications (ANZSRC) ANZSRC code: 200104 Media Studies 50% ANZSRC code: 200103 International and Development Communication 40% ANZSRC code: 169999 Studies in Human Society not elsewhere classified 10% Fields of Research (FoR) Classification FoR code: 2001 Communication and Media Studies 80% FoR code: 1699 Other studies in human society 20% 8 Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 14 1.1 Aims and objectives of this study ............................................................................... 14 1.2 Research questions ...................................................................................................... 14 1.3 Statement of the problem ............................................................................................ 14 1.4 Significance of the study ............................................................................................. 16 1.5 Contextualising Botswana’s national development .................................................... 17 1.5.1 Demographic profile of Botswana ........................................................................ 18 1.5.2 Economic performance of Botswana .................................................................... 19 1.5.3 Political performance ............................................................................................ 21 1.5.4 Development strategy ........................................................................................... 24