Rwandans consider their media free – survey

A Rwanda Media Barometer (RMB) survey carried out by Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) and consultants from Transparency International Rwanda has shown that media freedom in the country, in the perceptions of its population, was at its highest. The survey was aimed at enhancing efforts to develop the media sector in Rwanda. In the draft report, it was found that a system of regulation conducive to freedom of expression and media freedom in Rwanda was at 89.5 percent among citizens. Based on the RMB findings, the overall level of media availability and access to information for ordinary people was moderate (55.2%). Availability of print media and private television, accessibility to TV set, as well as affordability of TV set, internet connection and newspapers were perceived to be among the most problematic areas. Radio broadcast proved the most important channel (95.5%) through which ordinary people receive information on the country’s life, followed by community meetings/umuganda/churches (59.2%). Internet/social media (9.4%), newspapers (15.3%) and television (26%) remain among the least used to that end. According to the Deputy CEO, research and monitoring in Rwanda Governance Board RGB, Felicien Usengumukiza, there were still gaps in access to and right to information. “Though the law allows journalist to get access to information there is still more work to be done to make sure that media get full information and we are working hard to make sure that there must be total expression in media therefore the research is still ongoing “ Usengumukiza said. Based on the RMB findings, the level of media development proves high (68.1%) from the viewpoint of infrastructural capacity sufficient to support independent and pluralist media. Such a high level seems to be largely explained by the political will and commitment of the Rwandan political leadership to promote ICT, as a development driver, in all areas of the country’s life. The level of penetration of internet, mobile phone, etc. is said to be quickly increasing, however, much is yet to be done to reach an optimal level as is implied by the overall score on this indicator. As far as the second indicator in the draft is concerned, it emerged from the survey that plurality and diversity of the media, level economic playing field and transparency of ownership, proved to be moderately developed as perceived by media practitioners (54.5%) and ordinary people (52.4%), while Civil Society Organisations find them at a low level of development (32.2%). “This assessment instrument enables media professionals, policy makers, regulators, development partners, civil society and media watchdog bodies to analyze and identify areas within the media system where reforms or support is required,” Usengumukiza said.