SECTOR 2 The media landscape, including new media, is characterised by diversity, independence and sustainability. 2.1 A wide range of sources of information (print, broadcasting, internet) is available and affordable to citizens. Print Mauritius has a large variety of print media which is affordable, accessible and available throughout the island. Most of the daily newspapers cost US$0.50 which is the equivalent of two baguettes – the daily supplement of most Mauritians. There are six main daily papers – Le Matinal, Le Mauricien, L’Express, Le Socialiste, The Independent and Le Defi Quotidien. Le Mauricien is the only daily that goes out in the afternoon, while the others are distributed in the morning. Le Matinal is the cheapest of the papers and is widely distributed throughout the island. However, most of the content is pro-Government, specifically regarding the Prime Minister. With the exception of L’Express – which is regarded by the establishment as an anti-government newspaper – all newspapers are available in public libraries throughout the country. The unofficial ban on L’Express has been extended to numerous state controlled institutions including parastatals, and the paper is no longer available on Air Mauritius. The reason provided by the airline has been that it is too weighty to carry on flights. L’Express is probably the widest read newspaper - especially by professionals and the middle class. It is estimated that 14 percent of the general population that reads a daily paper will purchase L’Express. In Mauritius, newspaper sales do not fully reflect the exact readership, as it is common practice that one paper will be passed around to several people. If the State wants to effectively communicate with the citizenry, it will broadcast it’s message on the 7:30pm news on television – since 70 percent of Mauritians tune in to the main news bulletin of the day. More and more youth and Mauritians in the diaspora are connecting to the internet to access their news through online publications. 24 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MAURITIUS 2010