SECTOR 3 3.7 The state/public broadcaster is adequately funded in a manner that protects it from arbitrary interference through its budget and from commercial pressure. Public authorities, including the Federal and State governments, generally provide subvention to state broadcasters in the form of the payment of employees’ salaries and other overhead costs. The total amount of state subvention is around N22 million (US$ 138 899) annually. But this amount is insufficient and stations have to cope with long delays before the disbursement of funds. Local stations that belong to the national network of the state broadcaster are also required to generate additional income through advertising. As a result of insufficient statefunding, state broadcasters are engaged in “a mad rush” for advertisement with significant consequences on programme content and the use of prime time. Local stations keep a chunk of the advertising revenue, which they generate for their operational expenses, while 7% is paid into the coffers of their organisation. 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: 1.9 (2008 = n/a) 3.8 The state/public broadcaster is technically accessible in the entire country. In addition to the Federal networks, each Nigerian state runs its own broadcasting outlet. However, the technical quality of these stations’ signal is usually poor, leaving many parts of the country with limited coverage. In the big cities, some stations are unable to reach everyone, and cover only half the population. Remote border towns “...many are forced to follow radio and television programmes from neighbouring countries like Cameroon.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2011 39