SECTOR 1

1.12 Media legislation evolves from meaningful consultations among state institutions, citizens and interest groups.
From the 90s on, institutions, citizens and interest groups worked together,
making a concerted effort to formulate harmonious and efficient media
laws. At this time, the different actors established the Code of Ethics for
professional journalism (1992) and founded the Observatory of the Press,
Ethics and Deontology (body which regulates the application of the Code
established in 1992). In 2004, the legislation of Law no. 2004-643 was
adopted following exemplary consultations between the institutions and
the media interest groups. Thus, the panellists regard this law as the latest
successful example of indepth discussions and preparations between the
distincitive role-players.
However, there are difficulties still today, in applying the Collective Bargaining
Agreement of February 2008, which had been initiated by the unions and
management under the auspices of the UNJCI (Côte d’Ivoire National Union
of Journalists).
Recently, the directive of the CNP (National Council of the Press) modified its
statute/statutes without involving journalists. Two changes were made: the
cut back of the post of one advisor reducing their number to 11 instead of
12, and the transformation of their status from permanent members to nonpermanent members. Certain members of the panel consider that this change
in regulation bears heavy consequences as the mobility of the members
can weaken the functioning of the body. In principle, and out of interest,
journalists would have liked to be consulted regarding this modification.

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER COTE D’IVOIRE 2012

79

Select target paragraph3