SECTOR 3 3.3 The body, which regulates broadcasting services and licenses, does so in the public interest and ensures fairness and a diversity of views broadly representing society at large. The Ordinance 92-039 explains the licence awarding procedure to the print media in detail. However, as far as radio and television are concerned, the two ministers of the CSCQ have to co-sign the agreement. If the media organisation awaiting approval happens to be close to the regime, the necessary authorisation is obtained quickly whereas others are still waiting for this official endorsement. Broadcast frequencies are supposed to be allotted through tenders, but this has never taken place. One can also reasonably question the fairness of the allocations. Moreover, if the notion of “regulation” implies respect for facts, whether they are for or against the government, one could doubt the neutrality of this institution. Finally, the panel finds that the proximity to power influences the processing of information as far as certain channels close to government are concerned. The efficiency of the regulatory authority is equally questionable. It allows the 10 proliferation of “massage” advertising in newspapers. The fact that they allow advertisements to be placed any and everywhere, and especially in the middle of a news broadcast, is yet another example of the non-regulation of the media. That said, it is true that Article 54 of Ordinance 92-039 states: “Advertising by radio and television is free; while respecting the rights of the individual and consumers”. Only political advertisements are prohibited outside of election periods. Participation in televised broadcasts can be equally criticised, because participants usually have to pay appearance fees. The price varies between 1 and 2 million Ariary (315.48 USD and 630,96 USD). One of the panellists admitted to having received a request to pay 50.000 Ariary (US$17.77) as compensation for the production costs related to his appearance in a report or in studio. Due to this system, certain members of the public do not have access to televised media, nor do they have the right to reply. The Minister in charge of communications recently opened his own program on TVM, which he animates directly. This has never happened before in Madagascar and is considered a total aberration. 10 These advertisements are known by all to be a cover for prostitution services offered 90 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MADAGASCAR 2016