Freedom of the Press - Madagascar (2004)

Status: Partly Free
Legal Environment: 11
Political Influences: 18
Economic Pressures: 12
Total Score: 41

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 55
Religious Groups: Indigenous beliefs (52 percent), Christian (41 percent), Muslim (7 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Malayo-Indonesian tribes, Arab, African, Indian, French
Capital: Antananarivo

Freedom of speech and of the press is enshrined in the constitution; however, the government limits these rights in practice. Defamation is a criminal offense, and journalists are occasionally prosecuted under these laws. A number of daily and weekly newspapers publish material critical of the government and other parties and politicians. Authorities do occasionally pressure media outlets to curb their coverage of certain issues (particularly at the local level), opposition politicians are rarely given access to state-run media, and some journalists practice self-censorship. Although nationwide radio and television broadcasting remain a state monopoly, numerous local, privately owned stations operate across the country. According to the US State Department, journalists report being threatened with physical violence or prosecution by both governmental and societal actors. Journalists, who are paid very poorly, are occasionally bribed by government officials or private companies to assure favorable coverage.