SECTOR 2 panel that state subsidies have declined over the years. La Nation and the ORTB do not have their own budget and operate as departments of the Ministry of Communication. Most stations owned by the state broadcaster lack equipment and staff. A panellist who has a good knowledge of the situation stated that some stations have as few as eight full-time employees. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: ✓✓ ��✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ 2.1 (2007 = n/a; 2009 = 1.5; 2011 = 2.1; 2014 = 2.1) 2.7 All media fairly represent the voices of both women and men News media do not distinguish men from women when they search for sources or when they produce content. The panel were of the opinion that the media are open to anyone who wants to be seen or be heard. In other words, there is no policy to promote equal representation of men and women in the media. As a result, passive discrimination has become the norm. Reports and news programmes show that men continue to be more prominent than women in media coverage. ‘The media projects a largely patriarchal society.’ However, the current situation is a clear improvement over the past. Radio and TV stations offer special programmes that address issues of interest to women, and newspapers cover women’s activities and issues of interest to them – such as gender-based violence and forced marriage. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 24 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2018 ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ 2.1 (2007 = n/a; 2009 = 3.0; 2011 = 3.7; 2014 = 2.8)