Troubled times for media in Madagascar

In his second term as a democratically elected President, Marc Ravalomana handed control over the government to the military on 17 March after an uprising, led by Andry Rajoelina, former mayor of Antananarivo. More than 100 people have died in resulting political violence, including at least 28 people shot by security services in the beginning of February.

Media ownership in Madagascar is divided along political lines - one is either an organ of the former president or the new military leader. “Their supporters are likely to attack the media of their opponents,” said Reporters Without Borders (RSF) to RAP 21.

Political ownership of the media is also influencing editorial content. “Journalists have become communicants; they are simply relaying the propaganda of their owners. Pluralism of expression is in danger, and hence is press freedom,” said RSF.

Newspapers in the country are on the verge of collapse. Five dailies; the Madagascar Tribune, Inona Ny Vaovao, Midi Madagascar, Midi Flash, and Gazetiko, have ceased publishing following the political impasse. Several independent broadcasters have also closed down, including the television arm of Viva, Rajoelina's television and radio network.

“Supporters of the mayor threatened to set Midi Madagascar, Midi Flash, and Gazetiko on fire, so the owners decided to simply shut down for some time. On 11 March, the home of a member of parliament was ransacked and they threatened to set his paper on fire. He reacted by asking journalists to stop working. The Madagascar Tribune and Inona Ny Vaovao stopped as a sign of protest against violence towards journalists. Two of their journalists were attacked by demonstrators in the capital, and so they felt compelled to protest,” said RSF.

On 10 March, former editor of the daily Tribune de Madagascar and now editor of an online newspaper, Christian Rivo Rakotonirina, was beaten and left in a coma during a meeting with the president's supporters at the Mahamasina d'Antananarivo stadium.

For newspapers still printing, they are losing readers. “It is important to stress that as a consequence of journalists being communicants rather than communicators; most citizens in Madagascar can no longer rely on the information they receive,” said RSF.

“According to a recent AP report, people have stopped paying attention to the news all together. Individual judgment and rumors have become more practical, while many people simply generate information with no credible sources. So the real question is who owns the media?”

Just a few months ago, Madagascar was known for having a higher level of press freedom compared to many mainland African countries, and a democratic government.

Article published courtesy of RAP 21