SECTOR 2 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: 1.3 (2008 = 2.9) 2.6 Government promotes a diverse media landscape with economically viable and independent media outlets. Nigeria has a diverse media landscape but it is a struggling one. Operators and journalists alike feel that the government is not doing enough to promote a strong and independent media, and believe that there is “no level playing field” for state-owned and privately-owned media outlets to compete. “Advertising is skewed in favour of the public media...” While the government gives subventions to state-run outlets, it has failed to release the private media’s share of revenue generated by the collection of broadcast licence fees as required by law. Discussions to prevent subsidised state-run media from accepting advertising have equally been stalled for years. “Advertising is skewed in favour of the public media, which can afford to charge very economically unsustainable rates thanks to the subsidies they receive from the state” In addition to “unfair” competition from the public media, private media are also facing rising costs of production since tax waivers that have been introduced to support media development are often not respected. The government is also issuing very few broadcast licences despite the high demand for them. Even though authorities have agreed in principle to authorise private network radio stations, not a single license has been issued thus far. Community broadcasting has also been hindered by delays in issuing licenses. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2011 25