SECTOR 4 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: 4.1 (2006= n/a, 2008 = n/a, 2010 = 3.1) 4.5 Journalists and editors do not practice self-censorship. The context determines the attitude of journalists and directors of publication. It does happen sometimes, that they consciously practise self-censorship. In fact, under the current transitional regime, journalists are subjected to extreme pressure and often cannot practise their work freely, notwithstanding the cases of conflict of interest they have to deal with. Certain media bosses go as far as imposing a total media blackout on issues such as the seized rosewood shipments, which were illegally exported to Mauritius and the Comoros, and have raised questions about customs and high-ranking personalities of the regime. Self-censorship is sometimes required inside newsrooms when an issue to be covered is likely to infringe on the boss’ interests. In practice, journalists share the idea with the entire news team and, depending on the feedback of the boss, pursue or abandon the chosen stories. The most frequent cases of self-censorship occur around questions of morality and culture, where taboos endure. Journalists, however, also practise self-censorship when information pertains to big advertising contractors such as Air Madagascar. In the broadcasting sector, on the other hand, there is no doubt that censorship and self-censorship are being practised as a journalist knows in advance that he/ she will not be able to cover demonstrations by the opposition, which constitutes a regression compared to the struggle professionals lead in 1991 for access to the public service broadcaster. 108 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MADAGASCAR