The mass media in Mali includes print, radio, television, and the Internet. Radio is the primary means of mass communication in Mali. In practice, widespread poverty, a low literacy rate, and poor distribution outside of Bamako, limit access to television and print media. Mali has more than 125 radio stations as well as one television station. The former government-controlled radio and television broadcasting company is officially autonomous, but it has been accused by the political opposition of having a progovernment bias. Foreign radio programs are widely available through local media, and foreign satellite and cable television programs also are accessible, especially in Bamako. There has been an explosion of print media since 1992 in conjunction with the initiation of multiparty democracy. In 2003 print media included 42 private newspapers and journals (39 in Bamako and one each in Tombouctou, Mopti, and Sikasso) published in French, Arabic, and various national languages. The expression of a broad range of views, including those critical of the government, is permitted. Media regulation and restrictions In Mali, Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are guaranteed by the constitution and generally observed by the government. The Superior Council of Communication regulates the media. URTEL is the agency responsible for regulating television and radio transmission operations in Mali. Newspapers must register with the Ministry of Communications, but registration is routine. During election campaigns, the constitutionally mandated Committee of Equal Access to State Media is charged with guaranteeing that all political parties have equal access to government-controlled media. The government does not restrict access to or use of the Internet, but in practice Internet use is very limited because of the cost of computers and licenses to operate servers. In March 2022, the Malian government announced it would suspend broadcasts by Radio France Internationale and France 24, accusing them of false reporting of army killings of civilians. Publications Mali has several daily and weekly newspapers. Their circulation is limited due to high illiteracy rates. Mali remains a country of oral tradition. French language publications L'Essor (national daily), created in 1961, this is also the government's daily news publisher on the Internet: Les Échos (daily), created in 1989 Nouvel Horizon (daily), created in 1992 (daily), created in 1994 Soir de Bamako (daily), created in 1996 (daily), created in 1997. It publishes online (http://www.info-matin.com/) (daily), created in 1992 and also publishes on the Internet () Aurore (biweekly), created