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: 3.7 (2012 = 4.6; 2010 = 4.0; 2008 = 3.5; 2006 = 3.0) 1.2 The right to freedom of expression is practised and citizens, including journalists, are asserting their rights without fear. The pluralism of the Madagascan media ensures certain effectiveness in the exercise of the rights of citizens and journalists to express themselves. However, as far journalists are concerned, this freedom depends a lot on the owners of media houses who retain a certain degree of control on treated subjects and the context of the day. Thus, certain radio stations suspended their call-in shows in 2013, broadcasts that allowed ordinary citizens to directly participate and comment on the hot topics of the day. Furthermore, the government’s behaviour complicates the gathering of information. The announcement of the Prime Minister, Jean Ravelonarivo’s resignation on08th April 2016 by the Office of the President, is a palpable example. The news was reflected naturally in the media, whereas the Prime Minister himself denied the resignation. A couple of days later, he retracted his statement and confirmed his departure. This media confusion between the Office of the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister left the media with no room to manoeuvre in order to sort through the different versions and relay the correct information to the public. No public declaration was made until the announcement of the formation of a new government by 1 TVM on the 15th of April 2016. Similarly, in the case of Air Madagascar, in spite of the fact that the protection provided by the Constitution should theoretically prevail over internal regulations, the revelations by trade unions to the press were censored. 1 Malagasy State-owned television AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MADAGASCAR 2016 65