SECTOR 3 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 3.9 The state/public broadcaster offers diverse programming formats for all interests. The panel recognised that real efforts are being made by TVT and national radio to offer viewers and listeners a variety of programmes and thus give a fairly full picture of Togolese society in terms of languages, topics, etc. On television, for example, there are two ‘grands rendez-vous’ (major meeting points): “Au coeur de la Nation” (At the heart of the Nation) and “Plateau de la Semaine” (Weekly Platform). These are controversial debates offered on Fridays and Sundays respectively which feature representatives of civil society. In addition television news report on all important events, including topical developments in the political arena. Political diversity, however, is not always well reflected by the public broadcaster. To cite just one example, one of the panelists noted that TVT does not cover the weekly demonstrations of the Front Républicain pour l’Alternance et le Changement (FRAC - Republican Front for Change), a grouping of opposition parties which has been meeting each week since the election of March 2010 to voice its protest against the victory of President Gnassingbé. In fact, it is only during election periods that the HAAC is enjoined, by law, to ensure that all competing shades of political opinion are given expression. According to some panelists Togolese television generally covers the events that it is requested to cover. Still, one participant added, organisers always needed to make transport available for the reporting team, as well as per diems. Such preconditions, it was pointed out, are in stark contrast to what a public service should be: provided free of charge, and respecting the principles of neutrality and continuity. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TOGO 2010 117