The state does not seek to block internet content. All websites and social media are accessible to citizens. However, it seems as though the state, through its agents or the cybercrime unit, seeks to increase surveillance, particularly on social media. At the same time, the country does not have a clear policy on information and communication technologies. Some actions are carried out depending on partnerships and opportunities provided to the country. Journalists and civil society organisations do not actively defend the cause of press freedom, especially during attacks on journalists and press freedom. Nevertheless, they collaborated in 2016 to denounce the repressive nature of the provisions of the Communication Code. Although consultations were held during the drafting of the Communication Code, not all stakeholders were involved in the process. In the consultation process for amendments to the Communication Code, the Ministry of Communication and Culture just selected the people who participated in the regional consultation workshops. The amendments were examined expeditiously and given opinions/views were not taken into account in the text forwarded to the Council of Ministers. Madagascar has a wide range of information sources including almost 250 radio stations, about 30 television stations, approximately 20 daily newspapers, around 10 magazines and about 10 main websites and online media. Internet, and media in general, are a luxury for most households whose main concern is survival. The daily newspaper costs US$0.20, which corresponds to the price of a loaf of bread. Access to national and international media is free, but it is limited by citizen’s financial means when it comes to connecting to the internet. Critical papers can be easily consulted through specialised libraries or the internet. The state does not have an official print media. However, there is a national information agency (ANTA), a body attached to the Ministry of Communication and Culture, whose legal status remains unclear. This agency regularly publishes information on its website. Transparency of media ownership is guaranteed by law, but not implemented. Some owners of private media houses serve in the government, but these outlets do not make any mention of them. A competition law for companies does exist which also regulates media houses. The Communication Code entrusts the regulation of competition to the National Authority for the Regulation of Media Communication (ANRCM), which is not yet set up. The law does not mention any specifics of the regulation, thus leaving the field open for each to interpret what is not provided by the law. This situation raises doubts about the impartiality and independence of this entity. There is no specific government policy to promote a diverse media landscape, with economically sustainable and independent media houses. From the broadcasting perspective, some projects have been carried out to cover land-locked areas. From 2020, when the complete switchover to digital terrestrial television will have been achieved, private channels will be able to broadcast throughout the country. In print media, dissemination is hampered as there is no system set up to support the press. Madagascar has ratified the Florence Agreement which advocates the tax exemption to the production of cultural works and the mind, 7 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MADAGASCAR 2019