Yet the 1991 law which forbids censorship is still in effect. Print journalists have self-censored due to the number of criminal libel suits and other official harassment. One TV and one radio station had their licenses revoked for violating the 1996 law on languages. The office of one TV station was firebombed, and was later shut down by authorities. Lack of adequate financing, however, is the most severe difficulty facing the independent media.
Broadcast licenses are extremely costly, and frequently force independent stations out of business.
The auction to award broadcast licenses is regarded as unfair. Three stations are appealing their failed bids. Tenders do not go to the highest bidder. Licenses are seldom awarded to commercial radios. The president's daughter owns a partially state-run TV company and a nominally private station.