Press world: more media groups, less reporters!

  
The HAT´s communication minister, Harry Rahajason, may have put down his nickname Rolly Mercia down for a while but not his press brotherhood, for the sake of displaying a politically suitable cooperation mindset.  It was always the case and will be remaining so as long as the order of journalists (local OJM) is essential to a ruling power compelled to keep information under control. Former unsuccessful candidate at the OJM´s presidency, Harry Rahajason is able to have his revenge as minister through a very favorable electoral list.   
The commission in charge of delivering professional cards completed its mission strictly in accordance with the law. The witch hunt was conducted in an absolutely legal way. 775 out of the year 2007´s 1000 recognized reporters survived the examination. The national channels remain the largest job provider for reporters, and did consequently not have to drop anyone. Neither personal expertise, nor conflicts of interest from links with the ruling power´s ministry have been taken in account. The candidate supported by the ruling power is now more than ever standing the best chances to win the OJM´s presidency.   
How could 225 journalists have been rebuked? The commission in charge of providing professional cards required a combination of several of selection criteria: one has to, either have graduated in journalism or to three years of professional experience in the press, then to be employed by a media group (TV or radio channels, newspaper). This knock out stage actually knocked scores of reporters out. The recent newspapers are excluded from scratch since their reporters have, either not yet graduated or less than three years of professional experience. The reporting profession is now depending on a conditioned membership, and no more on the capability to report facts.   
A degree and more than three years of experience is not enough to be accepted as a professional without a job. The commission made it equally clear: three years of experience in the online press do not make it. The HAT´s communication minister personally opposed the recognition of online reporters. Only a couple of websites had the minister’s favor: one of them praising the HAT and regularly attacking former president Ravalomanana, belonging to a TGV official, a large telecommunication company and a powerful advertiser.