03/05/2025
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The Botswana Editors Forum wishes all journalists across the country a meaningful and reflective World Press Freedom Day.
This is a day when media professionals across the globe pause to reflect on the state of our industry, where itโs headed, and the growing challenges we must confront.
In economies like ours, which are struggling or slowing, journalism often takes a beating. With advertising models still heavily dependent on government and corporate support, any budget cuts tend to hit media houses first, and hardest. Since COVID-19, weโve witnessed a shrinking media landscape, increasingly dominated by sponsored content rather than independent investigative work.
Naturally, journalists bear the brunt of this downturn. As media houses restructure or shut down, many colleagues have lost their jobs or been forced into freelance work. Most are juggling multiple roles just to survive. This not only strains individual journalists, but chips away at the very foundation of credible journalism.
As diamond sales have slowed, so too has the flow of journalism. While some media outlets have adapted, pivoting to digital tools or adopting AI to stay afloat, others have simply closed their doors.
On this Press Freedom Day, the Botswana Editors Forum acknowledges the daily struggles of journalists and media houses. We remain committed to advocating for better working relationships: between media and the private sector, between journalists and government, and most importantly, for policies and regulations that protect rather than threaten, our freedom in an increasingly hostile economic climate.
We commend the governmentโs ongoing willingness to engage us in the shaping of media policy. Our hope is that these engagements will lead to reforms that open up the space, rather than tighten the noose around press freedom.
We also extend our appreciation to the corporates who continue to meet us halfway in supporting independent journalism. Your partnership is not just appreciated, itโs essential.
And finally, we stand in full solidarity with MISA Botswana and their efforts to mark this day. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to a free, responsible, and sustainable media in Botswana.
BOTSWANA EDITORS FORUM
