Chad Sector 3: 3.1. The audio-visual media regulation is transparent and independent; the state media is being transformed into a real public service audio-visual media. The audio-visual media is regulated by an independent body which is sufficiently protected against all interference, particularly political and economic. ANALYSIS: In Chad, the audio-visual media is regulated by the High Meida Council (HMC). In terms of the law, this is an administrative authority independent from the political power. Its objective is to watch over the respect of the deontological rules in regard to information and communication; to protect the freedom of media and plural expression of opinions; to regulate communication among the public authorities, media and the public; to assure political parties equal access to public media; to guarantee equitable access to public media by associations; to provide technical advice, recommendations on questions related to the information field (art. 186 of the constitution). It has autonomy in the managing of allocations given to it in accordance with financial laws (art 20 of the decree nr. 450 stipulating organization and functioning of HMC). However, disbursement of these resources, though allowed by the ministry of finance, is sometimes slow and difficult. This can be perceived as a type of interference by the public authorities in the media functioning. The HMC exists since 1994 but in practice has not been independent in its functioning; the new team that assume office in May 2007 has not revealed any signs of competence. The African Media Barometer (AMB) - Chad 2007 57