Promoting a free and modern press in Tunisia There are today in Tunisia more than one thousand professional journalists as compared to 639 in 1990. The number of national publications and periodicals has also increased from 91 in 1987 to 210 at present. Public authorities have taken a number of initiatives to provide better conditions for reporters to exercise their profession. Such initiatives include legal reform, assistance to publishers, and facilitation of reporters' access to sources of information. Legislative initiatives to provide a favorable legal framework: Freedom of opinion and expression is guaranteed by the Tunisian Constitution (article 8). Since November 7, 1987, legal initiatives were undertaken to further promote pluralism in the media and public life and protect journalists' free exercise of their profession. After two previous amendments (in 1988 and 1993), the Tunisian Chamber of Deputies adopted a bill on April 30, 2001, amending the country's Press Code, a third time. The newly adopted amedments include: The removal from the books of the charge of "defaming public order", a relatively vague accusation that lends itself to various interpretations. Requiring newspaper publishers to increase the minimum number of media professionals and journalism graduates they must hire. That number will have to be no less than 50% of that of the reporters they employ. Scrapping prison sentences from the books and replacing them by fines. Reducing the maximum period of suspension of any publication by a court of law is from six to three months. Role of the executive branch in promoting freedom of the press In a speech delivered on November 7th, 1997, President Ben Ali announced the elimination of the State Secretariat for Information (October 9, 1997), called on the publishers and news managers to be more daring and enterprising, and to make sure that "issues are addressed impartially, boldly and responsibly. People working in this sector no longer have any excuse to evade their responsibilities or resort to the easy way out by practicing self-censorship." He reiterated the same message on the occasion of the International Day for the freedom of the press (May 3, 2000), in a meeting with the presidents of the Association of Tunisian Journalists and the Tunisian Association of Newspaper Publishers, and the editors and publishers of a number of private sector dailies and weeklies. As a result of this meeting, national committees were formed to discuss the concerns of media professionals and possible changes into the Press Code. On November 7, 2000, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali announced a series of decisions. Beside amendments to the Press Code (already made into law), other decisions include: Giving journalists special discounts on connection to the Internet. Inviting Tunisian journalists to discuss the parameters of professional ethics within a code of honor which would protect the practice of journalism from any abuses and would enhance the credibilityof the mass media. Setting up a joint committee between the Association of Newspaper Publishers. Its task would be to look into professional ethics and into any disputes that might arise among newspaper management and journalists. Raising the training standards, and promoting higher levels of professionalism by improving educational and re-training programs at the University. Promoting regional information through establishment of information and documentation offices in various parts of the country. Openness of the media landscape to the outside world: Hundreds of foreign reporters visit Tunisia each year, while about 70 foreign correspondents are permanently based in Tunis. All correspondents enjoy the adequate conditions for the free exercise of their profession. There is also a wide-ranging access for Tunisians to outside media. About 700 foreign publications and newspapers are distributed in the country. Virtually all Tunisian homes have access to radio and television. At least one fifth of homes have access to satellite television. Programs of the Italian public channel (RAI-UNO) are available for on the air viewing. A number of foreign companies broadcast per-pay programs. New technologies ensuring universal access to information resources: Through various presidential measures, the Internet has become accessible to almost all institutions of research and learning. Privately run public internet offices across the country are facilitating that access to all groups of society. Low cost computers (of less than $ 700) are expected to accelerate the process of connecting homes to the worldwide web. There are already more than 300,000 Internet users in the country. Public radio and television and the concerns of Tunisian citizens: Debates on radio and television programming increasingly touch upon issues previously considered too controversial. Live discussions include representatives from opposition parties across the political spectrum. Since its broadcasting via satellite, Tunisian television has started to play a vital role between Tunisia's expatriates abroad and their home country. Radio and television also cater to local concerns across the land. Five regional radio stations cover various parts of the country. Special radio and television channels cater to young audiences.