Africa

Mozambique

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

IREX Description:

Although the 2009 MSI assessment reflects some improvements in certain aspects of Mozambique's media environment, there are still areas of concern and backsliding.

Although the constitution of Mozambique is progressive, legislation not in keeping with that spirit remains in force, and there are critical legal gaps. According to the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) report, So This is Democracy? 2009, "The nonexistance of a Right to Information Law is by far the most striking gap in the legal landscape."1 Many government officials completely ignore nongovernmental media when it comes to information requests. The panelists called for more legal support to the media to draft legislation to ensure that the intent of the constitution is upheld.

Although the government does not block access to news, there are other obstacles, including cost and geography. Independent media are a very urban phenomenon, and it does not extend across the country. Rural residents depend primarily on radio, but there are still too few rural community radio and television stations, and they are plagued by regular equipment breakdowns and low-capacity electrical grids. Although the Internet is almost nonexistent in the districts, cell phone coverage is expanding rapidly, and SMS text messaging is revolutionizing the information sector. Blogging has emerged as a forum to discuss even sensitive topics. Therefore, despite many positive advances for Mozambique's media in terms of plurality and unrestricted access, serious shortcomings persist, which affect the independent press and rural citizens disproportionately.

Africa

Mozambique

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Freedom House Score: 44 (Partly Free)	[Freedom House Methodology]
{Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 100}

RSF Score: 26.50	[RSF Methodology]
{Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to ~120}