Africa

Mali

{This graph represents scores that have been modified by CIMA so that higher scores indicate a better media situation. It is intended to show trends over time; each index measures significantly different factors of press freedom. To see an explanation for how this graph was created, click here.}

IREX Score: 2.11	[IREX Methodology]
{Higher is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 4.00}

IREX Description:

The legislation that regulates the media sector is favorable theoretically. Some media observers, however, believe that in reality a favorable freedom of speech environment is subject to changes in political will, which are unpredictable. This potentially leaves the media vulnerable to the whims of the government of the day.

Today, Mali has more than 200 private newspapers, only about 60 of which appear with any regularity. With the notable exception of L'Essor, which has national coverage, 90 percent of newspapers are distributed in the Bamako vicinity only. The rural areas where Bambara or other languages are spoken have local newspapers in these languages. Mali has 224 FM radio stations in operation. The Bamako district alone has 16 radio stations, while the regions of Kayes and Sikasso are the best equipped in terms of radio stations, with 38 and 45 stations, respectively. Seven stations of the Office of Radio-Television Mali (ORTM)—that national channel—broadcast in the regional capitals. Urban Malians also have access to almost 150 cable channels.

Despite the proliferation of media, Mali still has problems with the strained economy and diminishing human resources. Those factors influence greatly the quality of newspapers and radio programs, which tend to favor entertainment over news.

Read more on IREX’s site…

Freedom House Score: 24 (Free)	[Freedom House Methodology]
{Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 100}

RSF Score: 8.00	[RSF Methodology]
{Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to ~120}

Reporters Without Borders Description:

Mali is not only one of Africa’s most exemplary democracies but also one of the most respectful of press freedom on the continent. But this record was compromised by a few isolated cases of assaults on journalists.

The law in Mali is certainly not perfect, the press is poor and politicians are sometimes irritable. But press freedom is a reality. With around 30 weeklies and half a dozen dailies, the written press provides a good reflection of the country’s political diversity. Stronger still is the network of more than 130 radios, local or national, to be found in each small village – a record in French-speaking Africa. Mali was a pioneer, with the first free radio established in 1991, and its radio stations are now seen as among the best on the continent. One incident cast a shadow on this picture. Journalists in 2007 had the nerve to publish an essay assignment given by a Malian teacher to his pupils, involving a head of state and his mistress. They were punished with brief spells in prison.

Africa

Mali

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