However, there is an exception. The private television channel TV+ features programs related to the environment. But the initiatives are limited because access to public information is difficult. Gradually, Gabon is putting in place a policy of information and communication technologies. A Ministry of Digital Economy has even been created and there is a digital infrastructure and frequencies agency. The advertising market is quite important in Gabon and could allow for a greater measure of viability to the media. But both the Government as well as large private advertisers only advertise with media institutions which toe the line. For private advertisers this is a means to avoid giving the impression of supporting the opposition. In Gabon, there are laws which regulate broadcasting. But these laws are outdated and new laws have been adopted without being applied. In the meantime, equal access to information is not yet enshrined and political propaganda dominates. This is especially true of public broadcasters. Today, State institutions appoint all members of the National Communication Commission: the Presidency of the Republic, the National Assembly and the Senate. This Commission regulates the media. However, despite this inherent defect, impartiality is sometimes demonstrated. The process of allocating broadcasting frequencies is not very transparent. In reality, the final decision rests with the Minister of Communication and it can be assumed that applications for frequencies by developers who are not in step with the regime sometimes remain in limbo for political reasons. Public broadcasters are completely under the control of the Government, often to the detriment of the concept of public service. The President of the Republic, being the real owner of the State media, appoints their boards of Directors and they are therefore not accountable to the public. These media institutions frequently receive instructions from the highest authorities and mostly ignore the activities of opposition parties. Financing of the public broadcasters is unfortunately inadequate. This requires them to rely on advertising to ensure their operation. This lack of resources is apparent in the quality of the programs. All the same, it should be noted that Gabon Television has made efforts to cover local news. Journalists seize the opportunity made available by political authorities in the hinterland to collect local information. The rigorous processing of information is not the best attribute shared among the Gabonese media. This is due to a lack of capability, but also due to political pressure or the political involvement of journalists themselves. There is a Media 62 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER GABON 2016