THE WAY FORWARD 2. What kind of activities are needed over the next three or four years? The panel proposed the following courses of action and reflection for the years to come: 53 • The launch of the 2019 AMB report. • The establishment of a strong and consensual journalists’ union that will make it possible to change the status of the media and strengthen the right to freedom of expression. Consequently, the adoption of a collective agreement through social dialogue with employers and the government may define the statutes and conditions of media practitioners. • Establishing a platform will further strengthen collaboration between the civil society and the media. • Passing an access to information act is vital. Action must be carried out jointly by the media, through the trade unions and by CSOs. • Strengthening citizen education on gender issues and gender awareness to ensure equity of treatment and access to information. • The establishment of legislation and a significant advertising public company to promote sustainable media outlets. • The setting-up of a coherent policy on ICT. • The establishment of the ANRCM to play its regulating role. • The OJM must be financially and politically independent for it to fully play its role. • The application of the Florence Agreement (for tax exemption for media materials and production factors) regardless of political affiliation. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MADAGASCAR 2019