Lesotho National Broadcasting Service (LNBS) is a government-controlled organization that provides programming through Radio Lesotho, Ultimate Radio and Lesotho Television. The Lesotho Television Service (LTV) started broadcasting to most areas of the country’s lowlands in 1988. Ultimate Radio was established in 2006 as a commercially funded broadcaster whose core aim was to generate funds for the Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology. Radio Lesotho is the nationwide state radio operator of Lesotho.
Media assets
Television: Lesotho TV
Radio: Radio Lesotho, Ultimate Radio
State Media Matrix Typology: State-Controlled (SC)
Ownership and governance
LNBS is a state-owned broadcaster whose activities are run from the headquarters of its owner, the Ministry of Communications, Science & Technology. LNBS’ operations depend on the government of the day. The broadcaster is led by a Director General who reports to the deputy principal secretary.
Source of funding and budget
LNBS is funded almost entirely by annual government grants. According to government data, the LNBS budget for the fiscal year 2019/2020 was LSL 61.4m (US$3.9 m), of which LSL 19.7m was allocated to radio and LSL 41.6m to television. According to data from the finance ministry, in the fiscal year 2022/2023, LNBS received a state budget allocation of LSL 51.16m (US$2.7 m). The budget for LNBS in 2023/2024 was LSL 52.2 (US$ 3m), according to the latest state budget.
Editorial independence
The programs aired by LNBS radio and television channels tend to favor and reflect the government’s position on all issues, including electoral matters. LNBS does not have the financial autonomy to claim its editorial independence. LNBS news and programming guidelines are dictated by the government and must follow its policy. Independent experts often refer to LNBS as a government mouthpiece and “propaganda machinery.”
No domestic statute that would establish the independence of the LNBS has been identified.
Any disputes related to the radio and television coverage involving LNBS are resolved by the Broadcasting Disputes Resolution Panel (BDRP) at the Lesotho Communications Authority, the country’s communications regulator. As a government entity, LNBS’ performance is assessed through internal government bureaucratic structures. However, no independent assessment or overview mechanism to validate the editorial independence of LNBS has been identified.
July 2024