MAURITIUS
3.3 The body regulates broadcasting in the public interest and 		
ensures fairness and a diversity of views broadly 			
representing society at large.
ANALYSIS:
When the IBA issued licences for radio stations in 2002, the fairness
of its decisions was not put in question. There have been no further
decisions in this regard since then.
The IBA has established a Complaints Committee which has been
working efficiently so far. The number of complaints received is not
very high. One reason might be that when a citizen feels aggrieved
by a certain programme he/she has to opt for either taking the case
up with the committee or going the court route. Once a case has
been brought before the committee a complainant can no longer
seek relief or sue for damages in court.
The Committee has so far been impartial. One example is a complaint made by the opposition Mouvement Militant Mauricien (MMM).
The party felt aggrieved by the way MBC TV had reported one of its
press conference. The IBA upheld the complaint and asked the MBC
to take remedial measures for this not to happen again.
SCORES:
Individual scores: 			

3,3,3,3,4,3,3,3,3,2

Average score: 			

3.0

3.4 The body’s decisions on licensing in particular are informed 		
by a broadcasting policy developed in a transparent and 		
inclusive manner.
ANALYSIS:
The objectives of the IBA are spelled out in the law. The authority
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African Media Barometer - Mauritius 2008

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