Mali 3.7 The editorial independence of the public broadcaster from commercial pressure and political influence is guaranteed by law and practiced. Analysis Established by Act 92-021 of 5 October 1992, l’Office de Radiodiffusion et Télévision du Mali (ORTM) is a public administrative body with corporate status and is independently managed. Subsidized by the government, its scope of work is similar to that of other broadcasting agencies. Institutional information is given a lot of air time. The reason being the pressure due to a state monopoly, the board of governors being chaired by the line ministry, etc... Such pressure does not augur well for independent management. Individual scores: 2, 3, 2, 2, 3, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3. Average score: 2.4 (2006=2.1) 3.8 The public broadcaster is adequately funded in a manner that protects it from arbitrary interference with its budget. Analysis 70% of ORTM’s budget, which has a public service mission, is subsidized by the government in compliance with the Finance Act. This does not protect it from arbitrary interference. Individual scores: 2, 1, 2, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2. Average score: 2.1 (2006=4.9) 3.9 The public broadcaster is technically accessible in the entire country. Analysis ORTM programmes are accessible in 60% of the country and reach 80% of the Malian population. Le Baromètre des Média Africains - Mali 2008 19