SECTOR 3 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 (2008 = 2.9) 3.2 Broadcasting is regulated by an independent body adequately protected by law against interference whose board is appointed – in an open way – involving civil society and not dominated by any particular political party. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is a body under the authority of the Minister of Information. Section 3 of the Decree establishing the NBC states that members of the commission shall be people of “proven integrity, experience and specialised knowledge in the broadcast industry”. However, the same Section states that their appointment is possible only if they are qualified “in the opinion of the Minister”. Section 4 further gives the President absolute powers over the composition of the Commission by stating that: “A member of the Commission may be removed from office by the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, if he is satisfied that it is not in the interest of the commission or the interest of the public that the member should continue in office.” Members of the Commission are meant to be drawn from diverse backgrounds, including law, business, performing arts, education, social science, media and public affairs. However, in practice, these are usually civil servants with well-established political leanings, according to panellists. In 2011, the membership of the board was made up mostly of well-known ruling party officials. There is no evidence of open consultation of any kind in the appointment of members of the Commission. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2011 35