SECTOR 4

chief editor directly and raise an issue regarding content in their media. In this
way, the matter is resolved quickly and quietly.

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country meets only a few aspects of indicator

3

Country meets some aspects of indicator

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator

Average score: 			

2.1 (2008 = 1.9)

4.2 The standard of reporting follows the basic
principles of accuracy and fairness.
The media in Mauritius follow basic professional standards and journalists
generally strive to be fair in their reporting. However, some reporters are not always
accurate. Media practitioners are generally ignorant of human rights. Coupled
with their own prejudice, this often results in stories that are not fair or ethical.
The inclination not to check facts and figures is common amongst journalists at
specific media houses, and is cause for concern. A story on the alleged rape of a
young girl, for example, differed in detail from one report to another and it was
difficult for consumers to determine which one was accurate. The same journalists
tend to focus on the sensational elements of a story and often provide gruesome
details that are unnecessary and objectionable.
Fairness and accuracy has been compromised by the advent of private radio
stations who compete with each other to break news.

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MAURITIUS 2010

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