SECTOR 4 4.2 The media follow voluntary codes of professional standards, which are enforced by independent/ nonstatutory bodies that deal with complaints from the public. Under the aegis of UNESCO, media professionals have created a Gabonese Media Observatory to ensure the respect of ethics and deontology by the media. This Observatory is the first attempt at self-regulation in Gabon. But the initiative is not really effective in practice. In addition, the CNC has developed a Charter on the rights and duties of the Gabonese journalists, which was signed by the men and women of the media. Initially, Charter membership was voluntary, but it has become a pre-condition to obtain a press card. In the absence of a credible and independent mediator in the sector, some press institutions are striving to implement internal codes of conduct. Ethics and deontology often appear to be the subject of debate at editorial conferences. 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: 1.8 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER GABON 2016 101