SECTOR 4 4.1 The standard of reporting follows the basic principles of accuracy and fairness The reports of ODEM show that Articles 2 and 6 of the Media Code of Ethics are the most violated. These articles relate to accuracy, truthfulness, responsibility and plagiarism. Sometimes, journalists make mistakes with simple facts such as names, dates and numbers. It appears that there is a lack of will to cross-check and verify facts. With the increase in online news sources, reporters are known to copy information from websites and republish them without verification. In one case, a reporter reproduced an old documentary about the education system in which he used quotes from the Minister of Education – the quotes had become obsolete and were out of context. Panellists added that journalists frequently mix facts and opinions and do not ensure there is balance in their analyses. Often, journalists openly take part in national political debates and reflect their prejudices in their reporting. A panellist said that some journalists go so far as to show hostility towards members of the public and organisations with views differing from their own. In addition, journalists sometimes use their position as the fourth estate to settle personal scores, added a panellist. In other cases, interviews are so poorly edited that they no longer reflect the views of the interviewees when they are published. In general, panellists felt that quality journalism is quite rare and only practised by a handful of journalists. 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: 38 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2018 ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ 2.0 (2007 = 2.4; 2009 = 1.9; 2011 = 2.1; 2014 = 1.8)