public. Even fewer women get involved in politics. Apparently this is regarded as a dangerous field and, according to one panelist, women fear they might “die and not be able to take care of their children”. The situation could change in future, thanks to the training efforts by various associations targeted specifically at women. In the political sphere, media content is marked by a clear segregation between the powers that be and the opposition. Within the confines of this broad demarcation there is some real effort to present diverse opinions and currents of thought. In the capital, for instance, radio stations openly favour the opposition in their tone and editorial line. Representatives of the ruling party are therefore reluctant to come forward and express themselves on these stations. There is no guiding legislation in place regarding new information and communication technologies. In his electoral platform for the March 2010 elections the head of state made a commitment to push the telephone and internet penetration rate up to 75% over the next five years. The advertising market in Togo is limited. The state is the main advertiser and many panelists believe that there are political motivations behind the way the state awards its contracts. The audiovisual media are governed by the Press Code whose provisions are very general. There is no specific broadcasting law and two bodies have a say in the assignment of frequencies: the HAAC and the Regulatory Authority for Posts and Telecommunications (ARTP). The media regulator (HAAC) is independent in principle and its members are nominated according to very strict criteria. They are not allowed to hold shares in a media enterprise or an electoral political mandate. In practice, however, the body’s composition is influenced by the government. For example, four of the nine members of the HAAC are nominated by the head of state at his discretion, even though within the defined criteria. There is a view, though, that it is up to the HAAC members themselves to take their responsibilities seriously and that the regulatory body could be independent. The state/public broadcaster does not have a board of directors. It depends entirely on the minister of communications and its budget is included in that of the ministry. The Director General is appointed after consultation with the HAAC but can be recalled at any time. As a result, the public broadcaster does not enjoy any editorial independence. State radio covers the entire national territory. Television can be received in most parts of the country. According to the panel the state/public broadcaster is making real efforts to diversify its programmes and reflect the various viewpoints and currents of AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TOGO 2010 77