The 160th anniversary of the first Malagasy Gazette was celebrated on Friday in Mahamasina, in a spirit of remembrance and reflection on the future of journalism.
On the occasion of the 160th anniversary of the first Malagasy Gazette, Teny Soa Hanalan’Andro (1866-2026), the Malagasy journalism community officially launched a year of celebration on Friday, July 17, at the Petit Palais in Mahamasina, centered on history, transmission, and professionalism. The discussions also provided an opportunity to reflect on the challenges the profession faces in the era of social media.
First published in January 1866 by Protestant missionaries from the London Missionary Society (LMS), Teny Soa Hanalan’Andro is considered the first Malagasy Gazette. Initially, it disseminated religious, educational, and cultural content in the Malagasy language. Over the decades, the national press has gradually developed, accompanying the country’s major historical milestones, from the monarchy to independence and the Republic, before entering the digital age today.
During the opening ceremony, the Minister of Communication and Culture, Gascar Fenosoa, proposed the creation of a ‘House of Journalists.’ This infrastructure would aim to provide a common workspace for media professionals while serving as a symbol of Malagasy journalistic heritage.
The Minister also recalled key milestones in the history of the press, including the beginnings of journalism in 1866, the 1959 Press Law, and the 1974 Press Charter. He urged journalists to strengthen their professionalism in the face of excesses observed on social media, where misinformation and sensationalist content circulate rapidly.
The Transitional Committee for the Order of Journalists of Madagascar (CT-OJM) announced the organization of a training session for journalists in November. This initiative aims to support professionals in adapting to the new realities of the trade and strengthening their skills.
A highlight of the ceremony was the testimony of Victor Georges Andriananjason, the dean of Malagasy journalism, who shared over six decades of experience. A journalist since 1958, he recounted a career marked by journalism, public communication, international diplomacy, and culture. As the founder of the Group of Young Independent Artists (GJAI) in 1959, he participated in organizing the Independence celebrations in 1961 before pursuing higher studies in journalism in Paris. He collaborated with several international media outlets, including the BBC, while holding responsibilities within the United Nations in the field of public information.
Through his intervention, Victor Georges Andriananjason reminded the audience that the profession of journalism requires rigor, ethics, and responsibility. His career illustrates the evolution of the Malagasy press and the openness of its professionals toward international institutions and media.
Young journalists present also expressed their vision of the profession through a strong statement: ‘Ny asa fanaovana gazety anompo ny marina’ (‘Journalism is at the service of truth’). A message that summarizes the spirit of this celebration, which is not limited to commemorating 160 years of the Malagasy press, but also invites professionals to preserve the fundamental values of the trade in a rapidly changing media environment.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-18 06:11:39 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/160-ans-de-la-presse-le-journalisme.html