Freedom of the Press - Andorra (2006)

Status: Free
Legal Environment: 1
Political Influences: 5
Economic Pressures: 8
Total Score: 14

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: n/a
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (predominant)
Ethnic Groups: Spanish (43 percent), Andorran (33 percent), Portuguese (11 percent), French (7 percent), other (6 percent)
Capital: Andorra la Vella

Freedom of expression is protected under Article 12 of the Andorran constitution, which also allows for laws that regulate the right of reply, correction, and professional confidentiality. In addition, press freedom is protected under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is binding in Andorra. In 2005, however, a media website alleged that a representative of the radio station R7P was threatened with a two-year jail sentence for criticizing the president of the nationally owned broadcasting network Radio I Televisio D'Andorra, after he cut political programming. Because of Andorra's proximity to France and Spain, its media landscape is partially shaped by foreign media. Domestically, there are two daily papers, Diari d'Andorra and El Periodic, as well as several weeklies. There are approximately 15 radio and 6 television stations. The government also releases a daily news bulletin. Internet access is open and unrestricted.