Ephraim Keoreng
2 July 2009
Department of Broadcasting Services director, Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo, has dismissed allegations that Botswana television has been sucked up into the intra-party fighting in the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
Lately, the state broadcaster has been accused of sabotaging the Barataphathi faction, led by Daniel Kwelagobe, supporting the Nkate-Merafhe faction also known as the A-team.
The television station is accused of giving disproportionate coverage to the Nkate faction at the expense of Kwelagobe.
BDP chairman and Molepolole South MP, Kwelagobe, who is seeking re-election for the posts of chairman of the party and member of parliament was launched last Sunday in Molepolole.
Although Btv covered the event, the news item had not been broadcast by Tuesday, two days after the event.
The day before his launch, Kwelagobe was officiating at the launch of Mogoditshane MP, Patrick Masimolole, and still that news has not been aired on state television.
This despite the fact that another rally of Botswana National Front (BNF) vice president, Olebile Gaborone in Tlokweng over the weekend was shown on Btv on Monday, the day after the event.
Kaboeamodimo says that Btv intended no malice in this apparent unequal treatment of the contestants.
"When we cover stories, we go back to the office and follow editorial guidelines to ensure that the story is ready for public viewing," he said. He promised that the story will be run when it is ready.
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