SECTOR 3 public administration and the ruling party. Panellists observed that the process is neither open, inclusive nor influence-proof. 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: ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓✓ 1.4 (2008 = 1.2; 2011 = 1.0; 2014 = 1.6) 3.5 The editorial independence of the state/public broadcaster from political influence is guaranteed by law and practised to ensure balanced and fair news and current affairs programmes The CRTV was created to promote government action and its editorial policy and practices reflect this mission. One panellist observed that since it was created, the corporation has never run a story critical of the president. Its approach to reporting can be summarised as the ’deification of state authorities and vilification of its opponents and critics,’ stated a panellist. News sources complain that their interviews are frequently edited to remove critical remarks, leaving stitched up excerpts that do not accurately reflect their views. However, this assessment may only represent the current reality. With a marked increase in the number of debate programmes over the past decade, the volume of critical voices has been on the rise on state TV as well as on radio: examples include Press Hour and Scene de Presse, two programmes where journalists and pundits discuss current affairs. Radio programmes Cameroon Calling and Thermostat are also cited for frequently pushing the line. 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: 38 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER CAMEROON 2018 ✓✓✓ ✓✓✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ 1.5 (2008 = n/a; 2011 = n/a; 2014 = 1.9) ✓✓