radios are quite often operating informally and thus very vulnerable to decisions taken by public authorities. Some operators broadcast their programmes nationwide, even though according to the provisions in force, only public stations and channels are authorised to provide national coverage. The absence of a regulatory body leaves law-abiding competitors without means of recourse against such abuse, knowing full well that with national coverage come less constraints and operation expenses and more persuasive power at the commercial level. SCORES: Individual scores: 2, 1, 1, 2, 3, 2, 2, 1, 1 Average score: 1.7 2.5 Community broadcasting enjoys special promotion given its potential to broaden access by poor and rural communities. ANALYSIS: Some community media are operational in rural areas particularly on the southern axis (Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, Menabe) within the framework of the Saha project financed by Switzerland. They are allocated a budget in the beginning as a form of start-up aid, and are then expected to become self-sufficient and manage themselves autonomously. SCORES: Individual scores: 4, 3, 1, 1, 4, 3, 3, 3, 2 Average score: 2.7 2.6 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political influence. ANALYSIS: After the demise of Vaovao et Atrika under the Second Republic during the socialist revolution there are no longer any print media published by a public authority. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 4, 1, 1 1.4 32