Bophuthatswana broadcasting was launched with the birth of Radio Bophuthatswana “a station with a mind of its own” on 5 December 1978 as a service to the people and as a means of communication with government. The overriding principles of the station was to educate, to inform, and to entertain. The station started broadcasting with one transmitter covering Mmabatho and the surrounding areas.

Eight years later the station’s signal reached deep into South Africa, and was also heard in southern African countries including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, and Lesotho. In 1986 Radio Mmabatho Lehtswe la Setshaba, was added to its broadcasting service, and then Radio Sunshine. BopTV commenced transmissions in 1981. The station reflected the traditional values of the Batswana, and news formed an integral part of the station’s daily transmissions. Edutel was also launched on BopTV to assist in teaching middle and high school learners throughout the country. It also provided adult education for those who never had any schooling. More than 15 000 lesson tapes were produced and distributed to schools which did not receive television signals.