The Independent Broascasting Authority (IBA) proved its independence last week. In a letter to the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), it made it clear that the MBC did not always cover the news in a neutral and impartial way. Well, have I – or has the IBA – told you anything new? I am sure it has not…

This situation does not even depend on the government of the day. All governments have been known to use the national radio and television station to convey their message and a positive image of themselves in all circumstances. The news on television every evening seems to be a parade of the most possible numbers of ministries or members of government or parties forming the government. People at the head of the institution are replaced each time there are new elections and what they say goes. Or, to be more precise, I should say, what the government says goes. If you are not convinced of what I am saying, just have a look at the news tonight…

Unless the management of the MBC decides to reflect on the letter sent by the IBA and changes the way it has always done its job. Now that an official institution has said out loud what everyone else is thinking, we could have hoped there would be a change. But the interview of Bijaye Madhou, the general manager of the MBC, a few days after the IBA ruling, actually leaves little room for hope.

His reaction appears at the very least disturbing – if not worrying. “When a minister says ‘we have the MBC’, I interpret it as a gap by the written press that does not give equitable treatment to government activities. And the MBC fills the gap. (This is not done) at anyone’s expense but in favour of the government,” he said to a journalist of l’express. In short, the general manager is aware that the institution he heads is partial – and he confirms it as his prerogative – and tends to justify his point.

He, however, makes it clear that the partiality is a perception and depends on the person who is talking. But let’s not take the words of politicians for granted; just ask around you what they think about the MBC. I am sure the answer will not even depend on the political bias of the person – everyone will agree that the MBC has a strong tendency to cover government activities to a very large extent compared to other items. It is also true that the one in the opposition today may be in power tomorrow and vice versa. And all those who reach power like to take advantage of the MBC when they can and then forget their grievances… This is why the MBC should make sure it keeps a minimum of honesty in the way it deals with topical items.

No journalist should be asked to be 100% objective. As human beings, we all inevitably have our own opinions. But, as journalists, we also have a responsibility to be as honest as possible. We have to make sure we are giving the right to everyone concerned by news to defend or express him/herself.

Bijaye Madhou is convinced that the 300,000 people watching the news every evening are a proof that the MBC is important. In fact, the popularity of the MBC will be assessed only when it will be faced with competitors… Until then, it should make sure it at least respects its audience by abiding by its duty of fairness. And that this will apply to any other government to come!