SECTOR 3 Broadcasting regulation is transparent and independent; the State broadcaster is transformed into a truly public broadcaster. 3.1 Broadcasting legislation has been passed and is implemented that provides for a conducive environment for public, commercial and community broadcasting. Cameroon’s audio-visual media is regulated by the 1990 media law. Article 36 of the law institutes freedom of audio-visual communication, but notes that unlike other media, it will be subject to prior authorisation. In 2000, the prime minister signed a decree laying down conditions for the creation and running of private audio-visual media. Even though the liberalisation of private audiovisual communication dates back to 1990, it is the prime minister’s decree that is often referred to as the precursor of the development of the sector. The decree distinguishes between commercial and non-commercial broadcasting, and sets down conditions and procedures for the delivery of licences. Article 15.B lays down the cost of licenses as follows: - Local commercial radio station - CFA10 million (US $20.000) Local non-commercial radio station – CFA5 million (US $10.000) National radio – CFA50 million (US $100.000) National non-commercial radio station – CFA10 million (US $20.000) Local commercial TV station – CFA 50 million (US $100.000) Local non-commercial TV station – CFA10 million (US $20.000) National commercial TV network – CFA100 million (US $200.000) National non-commercial TV network – CFA25 million (US $50.000) According to Article 9 of the decree, the radio broadcast license is valid for five years, while TV licenses are valid for ten years. Both of them are renewable, and renewal is on the condition that the Terms of Reference on which the licence was issued have been obeyed. The 1990 media law forbids individuals or corporate bodies from owning more than one audio-visual license. It also states that the designated publisher of the broadcast outfit must be an owner or a co-owner. Both the 1990 law and the decree of 2000 have only been partially implemented. Even though Cameroon has hundreds of radio and TV stations, only STV and Canal 2, have been issued licenses. An inter-ministerial committee created to review license applications has only met twice in 12 years. In the meantime, the 112 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER CAMEROON 2014