Media in Lesotho

Lesotho's media system includes print and online newspapers, radio, television, Internet video, global streaming platforms and social media. Established outlets include the state newspaper Lentsoe la Basotho and private publications such as Lesotho Times, Metro, Moeletsi oa Basotho, Mosotho, Newsday, The Post, Public Eye, The Reporter and Sunday Express. Their prices, publication schedules and distribution methods differ. People may receive content through physical distribution, outlet websites, social-media pages, radio signals or television services. The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) is the statutory regulator for broadcasting. It handles licensing, competition, consumer protection, standards and broadcasting complaints. The Communications Act 2012 and Broadcasting Code 2022 recognize public, private, commercial, community and church broadcasting. Licensed services include Lesotho Television, Radio Lesotho, Ultimate FM, MoAfrika FM, Harvest FM, Radio Maria and other broadcasters. The public broadcaster is expected to provide countrywide coverage, support voter education, give fair access to political parties and candidates, and help reduce the digital divide. Parliamentary funding and its own revenue support that function. The LCA publishes licensing and renewal processes, including public consultation; recent examples include applications or renewals involving Voice of God and Sky Alpha. Audio and video distributed through the Internet may require licensing or may be regulated as broadcasting, depending on the service. Lesotho has no single domestic equivalent of Netflix evidenced in the available research. People use global platforms, local online outlets and broadcaster or newspaper websites. Access requires a suitable device, Internet connection, electricity and data or subscription payments. In 2024, 51.8% of individuals used the Internet and about 36% of households had Internet access. Platform availability, payment methods, digital rights management, language, catalogue and data prices vary, and no reliable national streaming tariff was identified. Social media remains mainly platform-based and informal. Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, broadcaster pages, newspaper websites and community-radio interaction provide channels for publishing, discussion and audience participation. The LCA Child Online Protection Guidelines 2024 address cyberbullying, grooming, harmful or illegal content, privacy, personal data, digital footprints and checking whether sources are reliable. Children have rights to privacy, age-suitable information and education, protection from online abuse, expression and peaceful online association. They also need to protect passwords and other people's privacy, avoid harassment and doxxing, respect dignity and reputation, use services in a balanced way and report abuse. Parents, guardians and teachers can provide supervision. The Child Helpline is available on 116 at no charge; suspected illegal or potentially illegal online acts can be reported to the nearest police station or by calling 112. Media rights in Lesotho also arise from section 14 of the Constitution, which protects receiving and communicating information subject to limits concerning public interest, privacy, reputation, confidentiality and broadcasting or technical regulation. The Tenth Amendment Act 2025 adds constitutional principles concerning freedom of expression, participation in public affairs and development, professional and ethical conduct, non-biased content, privacy, protection from harmful content, violence, crime and hate, confidential sources, ownership diversity and state support for media infrastructure. It provides for an independent Media Council and Media Ombudsman. Their practical implementation, appointments and public contact arrangements were not evidenced as an established user-facing service in the available research, so the LCA remains the operative broadcasting regulator. The Broadcasting Code requires fairness, accuracy, balance, privacy protection and appropriate treatment of political advertising, advertisements and sponsorship. Editorial independence is part of the professional standard. A broadcaster generally needs written rights clearance for third-party material under its licence conditions. The Act provides for penalties of up to M50,000, up to five years' imprisonment, or both for unlicensed provision. Broadcasting presenters are expected to complete at least six months of continuous journalistic training through a registered or recognized institution for certification. Editorial staff face a two-year training requirement, with transition arrangements for existing unqualified staff. Media houses carry responsibility for training, and the LCA monitors compliance. These requirements concern broadcasting and editorial roles; the research does not establish a general licence for every print or online contributor. A consumer normally first complains to the relevant media or communications provider within 90 days of the service date or agreement. If the provider does not resolve the matter, the consumer can approach the LCA and use its website, contact channels or WhatsApp access. Broadcasting disputes may go to the Broadcasting Dispute Resolution Panel, which can require withdrawal, retraction, clarification, an apology, a corrective plan, restitution or a fine. Unresolved matters have a maximum 90-day period before LCA enforcement or dismissal. Broadcast, Internet and media costs depend on the provider, device, electricity, data and any subscription; the available research does not establish a single national tariff or general media fee.