Study of the media environment in Swaziland

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

In order to get the desired information, traditional leaders from the tinkhundla system (which serve as a watchdog for the Swazi culture, and the monarch) were part of the population under study. The Media Institute of Southern Africa Swaziland, and media practitioners from the various media houses were also investigated. Government officials, and the general public also took part in the study. A questionnaire was used to gather data

The key findings for this research indicates that Swaziland needs to go through a political and legal reform, which will allow for the adoption of a constitution that provides for the practice of press freedom, and guarantees the respect of human rights. It was also discovered that there is also a need for professional reform (effective media body to serve as a regulator for good standards of journalism) as well as cultural adjustment, to pave way for a free reporting climate