SECTOR 4 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: 3.1 (2006 = n/a; 2008 = n/a) 4.5 Journalists and editors do not practise self– censorship. There are many cases of both censorship and self-censorship in the media. Journalists have to comply with the political stance of the media owner they work for and write accordingly. If the media owner is close to the government, any attack, criticism or questioning of decisions taken by any government body could mean heavy sanctions or even dismissal. Conversely, if the owner supports the opposition, negative reporting of government activities will be expected. However, it is possible for journalists to protect themselves against the interference of a media owner. The Ralaiarijaona judgement now authorises journalists to leave a blank space where their articles were supposed to have been printed should they believe to be a victim of censorship. Moreover, where the media owner shows no political preference, it is marketing constraints that will lead to self-censorship. A journalist is not allowed to criticise a major advertiser, for example. 118 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MADAGASCAR 2010