SECTOR 2 2.10 Private broadcasters deliver a minimum of quality public interest programmes Private broadcasters offer better quality programmes than those provided by public channels. Television programmes are diverse and of high quality, but they do not specifically serve the public interest. The race for viewer figures and commercial contracts has led to the birth of shows with concepts copied from foreign ones, such as TV or radio singing competition shows or reality shows. The panel deplored the quality of most of the programmes but felt that generally private broadcasters must adapt to the public’s demand for entertainment in order to survive, as they receive no subsidies. Most televisions are commercial in nature. Production capacity is also poor. Private radio stations offer a range of programmes of very good quality and that often serve the public interest. 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: ✓ ✓✓✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ 2.6 2006: n/a; 2008: n/a; 2010: n/a; 2012: n/a; 2016: 2.8 2.11 The country has a coherent ICT policy and/or the government implements promotional measures which aim to meet the information needs of all citizens, including marginalised communities The country has no clear policy in terms of ICT. The International Telecommunication Union guidelines are followed, and specific actions for ICT development are implemented through partnerships and opportunities provided to the country. A Directorate for Switching to Digital Terrestrial Television (DBTNT) has been set up to carry out studies, deployment and regulation of radio and DTT. It also ensures the strengthening of radio and television production units. The Madagascar Emergence Initiative (IEM)28 gives special attention to ICT, but currently has no concrete implementation policy. The distribution of tablets in schools is one of the first steps undertaken. In recent years, the dematerialisation 28 Campaign program of Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic 30 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MADAGASCAR 2019