SECTOR 3 3.2 Broadcasting is regulated by an independent body that is adequately protected by law against interference and whose board is not dominated by any particular political party and is appointed – in an open way – involving civil society By law, the HAAC is: independent of any political power, political party, association or pressure group of any kind.4 It is made up of nine appointed members: three are appointed by the Bureau of the National Assembly, three are appointed by the president of the republic, and three are appointed by media professionals. The president of the republic appoints the president of HAAC, after consulting the president of the National Assembly, while members elect a vice-president and two rapporteurs. The panel felt that the way the members are appointed and the board is constituted undermines the independence of the HAAC. Some members make deals prior to their appointment, for example, by pledging to defend the interests of the government. ‘The process is riddled with clientelism.’ There is no doubt, therefore, that many believe that current members of the HAAC have not been independent nor worked in the interest of the broadcasting sector. Some panellists believe that this is the group that has, for the most part, kept the media in check in recent years. 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: 4 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓✓ ✓ ✓✓✓ 1.7 (2007 = 4.7; 2009 = 3.6; 2011 = 3.5; 2014 = 2.2) Article 4, Organic law No. 92-021 of 21 August 1992, relating to the High Authority for Broadcasting and Communication (HAAC). 32 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2018