SECTOR 2 2.6 Government promotes a diverse media landscape with economically sustainable and independent media outlets Panellists felt that the government does not promote any specific and clear policy to establish a diverse media landscape, with economically sustainable and independent media houses. Regarding broadcasting, some projects have been carried out to ensure that isolated areas benefit from media coverage. In partnership with the Chinese operator Startimes, 500 villages were equipped with set-top boxes, which allows them to access international and local channels broadcast through the operators’ services. Due to the Communication Code, private channels will now be able to broadcast at the national level via DTT. The global switchover is planned for 2020. In print media, distribution is hampered by a difficult economic context because there is no system to support the press. Madagascar has ratified the Florence Agreement.27 Its content has been assimilated by the Customs Directorate, but in practice the papers and other materials necessary for the work of the media and editorial offices (such as cameras, video cameras and computers) remain subject to taxes like any other imported products. Media outlets are subject to taxes in the same way as commercial companies. To be eligible for exemption from customs duties, the duty-free admission of goods intended for the press is subject to a decision taken in a cabinet meeting, upon presentation of a communication to the Council of Ministers by the ministry in charge, i.e. the MCC. However, this little-known lever has been politically exploited. Only media outlet owners close to the government are able to benefit from this provision. Without funds injected by owners and sponsors, the media remain extremely vulnerable. 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: Score of previous years: ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓✓ 1.5 2006: n/a; 2008: n/a; 2010: 1.2; 2012: 1.3; 2016: 1.5 27 http://www.douanes.gov.mg/sites/default/files/upload/page/douane_madagascar_douane_madagascar_accord_de_ florence.pdf (accessed on 4 November 2019) 27 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MADAGASCAR 2019