SECTOR 2 effect to the office of the mayor or the prefecture or sub-prefecture where they reside or operate from. Some panelists noted that for all these reasons newspapers are being read secretly or “under the coat” in some places. Ironically, this often serves to arouse people’s curiosity all the more and provokes a veritable run on any publication within reach. In addition to the strict regime exercised by some prefects there are also the sociocultural restraints imposed on communities by traditional leaders. Their authority is such that in some places citizens are afraid to inform themselves freely and outside the channels organised by the traditional chief. These chiefs often perceive the media and the private papers in particular as a threat to their authority and will do everything to limit their distribution in the areas under their control. Even the national daily Togo Presse, one panelist said, may be subject to such treatment. This hostility becomes all the more pronounced when the media do not feel bound by the rules of traditional etiquette and deference which these authorities customarily expect members of their respective communities to observe. These problems are compounded by the fact that even if newspapers were widely distributed throughout the country, accessibility would be hampered by people’s weak purchasing power and the high rate of illiteracy in Togo. Obviously there are notable differences between urban and rural areas in this regard. One way to to overcome the evident problems of distribution would be the development of regional media. Panelists were divided on this issue. While some speak of regional papers just as independent and critical as Lomé based publications, others doubt that there is any such thing as a regional press, with the notable exception of Lafia in Takpaon. Other solutions have been attempted with equally limited success. Some years ago media operators obtained the approval of the French mission for cooperation in Togo for establishing a press courier service. However, the French partners wanted to work with both the private and the state media and Togo Presse was opposed to any arrangement with the private media. As a result the plan came to nothing. Similarly, the idea of working out a contractual distribution agreement with the post office did not come to fruition. Media owners in particular were not keen to pursue it. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TOGO 2010 99