The Print media

The press enjoys a long tradition of freedom and pluralism. The Mauritian press is among the oldest in the world. The first paper, Annonces, Affiches et Avis divers pour les Colonies des Isles de France et de Bourbon, was printed in 1773.

Since then, more than one thousand newspapers and periodicals have appeared. This figure may seem fairly high for a small island like Mauritius, but it should be pointed out that a large number of these publications have had relatively short lives. About two-thirds of them have been in existence for less than five years.

Today the country has eight dailies and some 20 weeklies as well as a number of periodicals appearing at less frequent intervals. These papers reflect the plurality of ideas and interests of the varied social structure of the country, and represent one of the active elements of a lively democracy. The freedom they enjoy is clearly evidenced by the wide coverage and vigorous editorial comment on varied issues of public interest. There is no state control or censorship of the press, but it is subject to the general laws on publications (notification, reproduction of printers imprint, sedition, defamation, right of reply etc).

Broadcasting

Radio services are provided throughout the country by the national broadcaster, the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), and three private radio stations. Television is provided by the MBC and satellite television operators. The Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation is a corporate body set up under an Act of Parliament in June 1964. It is independent in the conduct of its day to day business and other activities. It is administered and controlled by a board which is appointed by the Government.

From 1944 to 1964 broadcasting had been under the control of a government department, the Mauritius Broadcasting Service. Prior to the Second World War, broadcasting operations were carried out by a small commercial station known as Radio Maurice. At the outbreak of the war, Government assumed partial control over the station.

Television was inaugurated on 8 February 1965. Widely considered as a means of diffusion of information, education and entertainment and intercultural cohesion, television has penetrated almost every home in Mauritius and Rodrigues. Colour television became a reality in December 1975 and since March 1981, international news are illustrated by daily satellite feeds. Today, many international events, including sports are shown live. Since 1999, there is a round the clock transmission of television programmes on the three channels of the MBC. At December 2008 there were about 308 194 licensed television sets.

New players joined the local audiovisual landscape following the liberalization of the airwaves in 2002. Three private radio stations offer a wide range of entertainment and news programmes throughout the island.

In line with Government policy to facilitate the advent of private television in Mauritius, digital terrestrial television has been introduced in September 2005, The MBC is broadcasting twelve channels on the digital terrestrial television network, including MBC1, MBC2 and MBC3.

Television over ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) has been introduced by the main telephone service provider; another telephone company is offering television through 3G.