Community reporting has never been a priority in Lesotho. The media is based in the capital city of Maseru and rural voices are rarely heard. Rural communities only make the news in negative stories or when a government official comes to officiate a development initiative. Given the increase in social and political problems in rural Lesotho, it is becoming more and more critical for rural communities to have an alternative media platform where they can have their voices heard and can discuss their own issues and possible solutions.
Lesotho’s only community radio station,...
Countries: Lesotho
The Kingdom of Lesotho is a small, landlocked and mountainous country with LDC status in Southern Africa. It is totally surrounded by its only neighbour, South Africa. Currently it has two state-owned radio stations which broadcast countrywide. In addition, there are eight privately-owned stations, three of which are run by church organizations, one by the National University of Lesotho, and the remaining four by commercial broadcasters. Most of these radio stations broadcast in and round Maseru. State television is only accessible via satellite (which must be paid for), and contains a...
The project grew out of a plea from the Lesotho Chapter of the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) following the gutting of the Centre of Maseru as a result of a civil conflict. During the incident, a number of independent press owners lost equipment and other property. The ultimate objective of the project is to help establish a 'cooperative' printing house for the independent press.
Project approved in 1997.
Project approved in 1996.
Implemented over the period 1987-1991.
