SECTOR 3 3.4 The state/public broadcaster is accountable to the public through a board representative of society at large and selected in an independent, open and transparent manner. The state broadcaster exists to promote government action, and this is visible from its operations. The law empowers the Minister to give “general directives” to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). Members of the board of the state broadcasting organisations are often appointed to serve the interests of state authorities. Panellists were unanimous that there is no due diligence process to ensure social representation. Most of the laws governing public broadcasting were enacted by military regimes, and even though they have been amended, little has changed. 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: 1.1 (2008 = 1.2) 3.5 Office bearers with the state and political parties, as well as those with a financial interest in the broadcasting industry, are excluded from possible membership on the board of the state/public broadcaster. There are no known laws that seek to exclude people with conflicting interests from sitting in the board of state or public broadcasting outlets. In fact, board members are generally members of the ruling party, and appointments often look like favours to compensate henchmen, who helped public officials to win elections. The chairmanship of the Nigerian Television Authority is a classic example: Mohamed Buba, the owner of New Age Television, a cable TV distributor, is the chairman of the NTA. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2011 37