SECTOR 3 3.6 The state/public broadcaster is adequately funded in a manner that protects it from political interference through its budget and from commercial pressure The state radio-broadcaster has three main sources of revenue: state subsidies, audio-visual taxes and advertising. Other sources include the sale of productions, sponsorship contracts and classified advertising. Given the lack of transparency in the way public finances are managed, it is difficult to know how much revenue the radio broadcaster gets from these different sources during the year. Nevertheless, state-owned radio and TV stations are constantly complaining about being poorly funded. Their annual budgets are approved and disbursed by the Ministry of Communication. A new directive requiring that the budget be voted directly by parliament is yet to come into effect. 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: ✓✓✓✓✓✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ 1.3 (2007 = n/a; 2009 = 1.1; 2011 = 1.2; 2014 = 1.5) 3.7 The state/public broadcaster offers diverse programming formats for all interests, including local content and quality public interest programmes Public radio and TV stations and channels strive to cover a wide range of issues. Part of their mission is to reach all citizens of Benin. As such, they have a range of programmes in local languages. Even though political and institutional news is prevalent, the programmes of these stations and channels cover local development, culture, health, education, etc. Regional stations cater to different groups in society and are the primary broadcasters of public interest content. Some examples include radio campaigns to stop bushfires or campaigns to fight against epidemics. 35 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2018