SECTOR 4 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: 3.2 (2009: 2.4) 4.2 The standard of reporting follows the basic principles of accuracy and fairness. The way information has been handled in Côte d’Ivoire has always been accused of manipulation. The panel considers that most violations against criteria of accuracy and impartiality are linked to political influence. A study undertaken by OLPED in 2010, between 15 October and 30 November, during the elections, recorded 159 offences of incitement of which 127 were cases of manipulation. The final classification of the study placed Fraternité Matin in the leading position of the most impartial newspapers in Côte d’Ivoire. Another manipulation phenomenon: misleading reporting. During the first trimester of 2012, Info Soir appears to have published 80% of fictitious articles! It also seems to happen that newspapers sometimes publish backdated news. The panel believes that the public does not really have faith in the media. To illustrate this point, one of the panellists highlighted that between 2001 and 2005 newspaper sales dropped by eight million. The panel points out that up to present, no satisfactory statistical study has been conducted. 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: 1.8 (2009: 1.9) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER COTE D’IVOIRE 2012 107