SECTOR 4 4.2 The standard of reporting follows the basic principles of accuracy and fairness. The Malian media exhibits a lack of professional standards as well as technical problems. There are numerous examples to indicate that the basic principles of accuracy and impartiality are not respected. The actual content of newspaper articles, for example, usually fails to stand up to the impressive-sounding headlines. Information in the press and on air is often so brief that it is emptied of its essence. As a result, citizens continue to lose trust in the media. Certain media bodies are very partisan although this could be explained by the fact that the media work under rather precarious conditions. Nevertheless, this does not justify the lack of standards of the press, as even in poverty reporting could remain professional, honest and dignified. The lack of professional training and the difficulties involved in accessing information are also issues faced by those working in the media sector. 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: 2.0 (2008 = 2.1 ; 2006 = 2.7) 4.3 The media cover the full spectrum of events, issues and cultures, including business/economics, cultural, local and investigative stories. In view of delivering information to citizens, there is a will on the part of the media to cover a large spectrum of interests and most of the subjects listed above are dealt with in some manner. Issues are reported according to centres of interest. Although politics is the most covered area, a large number of other issues can be found throughout the various media. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MALI 2010 119