The Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili says the media play a vital role in promoting democracy.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during the launch of Radio Lesotho, Ultimate FM and Lesotho Television on Multi choice – Digital Satellite Television (DSTV) at the function held at Radio Lesotho Grounds on Monday.

Speaking at the launch, the Prime Minister said "democracy is the government of the people, for the people and by the people," adding that the media should improve democracy by reporting in a manner that does not discriminate and incite others.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mosisili appealed to Radio and Lesotho Television staff to ensure that they promote Basotho culture, especially now that the two will be on DSTV, where they will be viewed countrywide and outside Lesotho.

He added that members of staff should also strive to ensure that they present informative and quality programmes that would attract more people to listen and watch them.

“Other important programmes which could attract the market include, health, agriculture, religious and children's programmes,” he noted.

On the other hand, the Prime Minister appealed to members of the public to protect transmitters, which have been erected in the districts of Quthing, Qacha's Nek and Thaba-Tseka for the development of the entire country and continue to access both radio and television.

He also said, erection of television transmitters have also been completed at Souru, Popa, Chafo and Berea Plateau, adding that the government of China has also assisted by providing generators in Leribe, Kueneng, Mafeteng, Mohale's Hoek, Quthing, Qacha's Nek and Thaba-Tseka, to be used in case of power failure.

He expressed gratitude to the government of People's Republic of China for having supported Lesotho in making the project a success, including the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) and other development partners.

On the other hand, the Ambassador of People's Republic of China to Lesotho, Mr. Qiu Bohua, said his government will continue to share successes of Lesotho, adding that expansion of the national television coverage is an indication of the Lesotho government commitment towards ensuring that people have access to information.

Mr. Bohua stated that expansion means Lesotho will now link with the rest of the world, urging for concerted efforts among the Ministry of Communications employees, including all Basotho so that the project grows bigger for the benefit of all.

“We are committed to assist in the development of Lesotho and to further strengthen bilateral relationships that have always existed between the two countries,” he said.

Present at the occasion included Cabinet Ministers, Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps in Lesotho, representatives of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) and Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS), Ministry of Communications staff and members of the public.

The day was graced by speeches and performance of traditional songs and dances by Rabots’o le Semanyane Famo Group, Apollo Ntabanyane Famo Group and the Ministry’s Group.

Lesotho Television was established in 1988 during the Papal visit in Lesotho. It was funded by M-net which owns Multi choice and handed over to the government in 2002.

The television stations aims to provide factual and accurate news including local oriented programmes to all members of the society.

Source: LENA 07/04/2008