SECTOR 1 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: 2.7 (2008 = 2.9; 2006 = 4.8) 1.12 Media legislation evolves from meaningful consultations among state institutions, citizens and interest groups. Law N° 00-46/AN-RM of July 7, 2000 governing the press management and libel acts, is the culmination of a long process that began at a 1998 national political forum, which drew professionals from across Malian society. Despite advances in the Press Law of 2000 compared to that of 1992, media professionals find some provisions within the new law that contradict the mindset of the draft from which it was derived. The ongoing review of legislative documents indicates that the intention of the State is to endow the country with an auspicious environment; a harmonious development of the media; and a consolidated democracy. From the approach based on the participation of the main players, the predicted judicial framework should: • reflect the objectives of democratisation and good governance in Mali: contributing to the reinforcement of freedom of expression and the rights of citizens, including the disadvantaged and marginalised, to communication; • reflect the conventions and regional and internationals agreements, which guarantee the existence and viability of the commercial communication sector, as well as providing for a genuine public service media, an independent and competent regulatory body, and access to information by citizens; and • take into account the technological advances of information and communication at a time of technology convergence and the urgency of ‘citizen journalism’, to modernise the practice and guarantee national and citizens’ interests. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MALI 2010 91