SECTOR 3 3.1 Broadcasting legislation has been passed and is implemented that provides for a conducive environment for public, commercial and community broadcasting The Information and Communication Code governs all media. It is therefore the law to which one must refer when discussing legislation relating to broadcasting. This law recognises three types of broadcasters: public, private-commercial and private non-profit. By their very nature, private non-profit broadcasters are exempt from taxes and other administrative obligations. According to the panellists, the law does not enable broadcasting to thrive. Despite a strong demand, the authorities have not delivered licences to new private and non-profit applicants over the past few years. The latest authorisations have been solely for religious radio stations. The peculiarity of community radio broadcasting is not fully considered in the law, which leads to confusion. Many people have taken advantage of the loopholes to create ‘community radio stations’ which are accountable to no one, except their founders. 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: 31 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2018 ✓✓✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓✓✓✓✓ 3.3 (2007 = 4.7; 2009 = 3.6; 2011 = 3.5; 2014 = 4.2)