Historically. In 1993, following Unesco’s proposal in 1991, the United Nations declared May 3 as “Media Freedom Day”. It should be remembered that in 1991 journalists from the African continent announced the Windhoek Declaration (“The Windhoek Affirmation”) about it “plurality” (this term is difficult to define) and the independence of the Media. Since then, every year, this date of May 03, is a day dedicated more to deep reflection than to a fun party. The four basic corners that should never change are:
• Remembering the fundamental principles of media freedom;
• Global press freedom assessment;
• Protection of media independence; and especially
• Honoring journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Journalists in Madagascar have not forgotten the day of May 3, but as time goes by, it was celebrated in a wide parade, here and in some countries, and the division appears legitimately, the those who live on top of that: divide and rule, so the real power lies with those who have the power of the news and those around the news (“Whoever has the information has the power”).
That is, through the interpretation of what happened and what happened, without the protection and use of the law, so that in a short time away from the law in force, media platforms arose here and there ( newspapers, radio and television, etc.). …) only to “oppose” a bump, whether it is there or not, and there is no such indicator (“goes over”) it is true that everything that is said or written is said correctly. The picture is there «Photoshop» he will do something terrible. For example: people who have never drunk alcohol in their life are seen drinking alcohol internally “bar” ! Then everyone believes him because he seems to be the one with the whiskey bottle.
When did journalism begin in Madagascar? When did it literally drop and become a war wage? Everyone needs to remember this, especially with the rise of “opposition” radio stations that are able to create news because there is no rebuke… In fact, today everyone on Facebook feels like a “journalist” who can buy “credit” forward “mega” uh? There is a law, but many do not know, and those who do know are corrupted by corruption.
Another problem is that most young people today have not really learned this job, it is just a type of job to scratch. Building a media company is also not looking in that direction. When they are there, they are hit with “temptation” because someone encourages them to say “you are the 4th authority”. Apart from throwing money here and there, it is no longer journalism, it is just to make money, but it leads to prison.
Here, I would like to emphasize that it is not journalism that causes imprisonment, but the law prosecutes insults, lies, defamation of people and spreading rumours. Remember that the Ambanidia tunnel collapsed with a picture… There is “news” about this accident on Facebook, and, unfortunately, many people believe it. The latest was the death of comedian Rajao. What exactly are the benefits of this “news”?
Below is a large part of law 2020 – 006 that regulates the world of media and journalism. And in Malagasy.
Remember the Journalists Program in Madagascar or OJM (“Madagascar Order of Journalists”). On this Big Island in the Indian Ocean, the media has been regulated by the OJM since 1975, and it is legal. It can be said that this OJM is just starting when we know that the first newspaper in Madagascar and in the Malagasy language, the newspaper “Good words for the day”it began to be published in 1866.
But these are the Presidents of this OJM, from its creation until now:
+Runcry “Speaking”(1975-1977);
+ Rémy Ralibera’s fathercry “light” and “Madagascar Cross” (1977-1991);
Anicet AndriantsalamaMalagasy National Radio – RNM (1991-1993);
James Ramarosaonacry “Madagascar Tribune”(1993-2004), then “La Gazette de la Grand Île” before becoming a freelancer;
Ruffin RakotomaharoTvm-Rnm television (2004-2014);
Gerard Rakotonirinacry “Muzzle Gun” (2014-2021);
Monica H. Rasoloarisonjournalist at the Malagasy National Radio (2021 to May 3, 2024).
On May 3, 1999, the memorial in Soaroano Antananarivo was completed and inaugurated.
Considering the dates above, it was under the authority of James Ramarosaona, President of Ojm, the day the United Nations recognized World Press Freedom Day.
At that time it was “legal” everything, that is, James worked diligently to improve the world of Malagasy journalists. I remember it was done by Mr Rahaga Ramaholimihaso (who died on 10th December 2013) “Lay off” (that is, he was terminated from his job) because he was protecting the interests of journalists in the “Madagascar Tribune” which I am a part of…. But when James was elected as President of OJM, he was reinstated and he fought so hard that our journalists got privileges that we didn’t have before at that time. And I can honestly tell you that the OJM under James Ramarosaona helped me when I almost had a stroke in December 1999.
James Ramarosaona and Daniel Rakotoseheno, known as Dany Be, news photographers (“newspaper”), (died on 02 September 2021) authorized to accept Media Resource Center (“Media Resource Center” or CRM) found in CITE (« Technical and Economic Information Center ») formerly Ambatonakanga. The Internet in Madagascar was still in its infancy. There was no Facebook. Therefore, many journalists came to CRM because of the welcome, communication and friendly atmosphere.
Dany Be and Jeannot Ramambazafy. Photo taken by Rado Rakotoseheno, Dany’s son
At CRM CITE, all the official days of May 3 were celebrated among journalists. There was no control from the government administration who were the invited guests, the representatives had no special authority. According to the picture above, during James Ramarosaona’s time, in 1999, the OJM monument was built in front of Soarana station, here in Antananarivo. It was updated to commemorate May 3, 2011, the i Harry Laurent Rajason or me Rolling Mercia he was the responsible Minister at that time.
Where will we be on May 3, 2024?
At Haina aman-jery Havoria etsy Anosy museum, the event was held with the theme: “Journalism serving the planet: the environmental crisis and the crisis of journalism”.
According to the President of OJM, Mrs. Monica Rasoloarison, Holafitra emphasizes the importance of sustainable development in its strategic plan. He said: “Holafitra also actively supports activities aimed at protecting the environment, especially in our country which is also affected by climate change. “
Acting Minister of Communications and Culture, Mrs Rafaravavitafika Rasata said: “I appeal to the conscience of the journalists because you have a great responsibility in informing citizens about this environmental change that affects us. The magazine has the power to highlight the lesser-known stories of the community working to protect the environment.”. Therefore, he appealed to journalists to be aware of the influence of citizens and their responsibility for the protection of the environment in Madagascar in the future. Minister Rafaravavitafaka urged the media to be vigilant and balance false information to strengthen public trust.
Congratulations to all journalists in the 23 Regions of Madagascar!
Jeannot RAMAMBAZAFY – 03 May 2024
