SECTOR 3 But this independence is not adequately guaranteed. Seven of its eleven members are appointed by the president (3), National Assembly (2) and Senate (2). Even though the last two are constitutionally separate powers, they are dominated by the presidency and the ruling party and lack independence. The other members of the council are appointed by the Supreme Court (2) and the media corps (2). The current council is dominated by members of the ruling party. Its president is a former minister and member of the politburo of the ruling Congolese Workers’ Party. Even though the media corps is invited to appoint two members of the board, the selection process does not include broad consultation, especially involving the civil society. 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 3.3 The body, which regulates broadcasting services and licences, does so in the public interest and ensures fairness and a diversity of views broadly representing society at large. Across the industry, the High Council is perceived as an organ at the service of public authorities and the ruling party. It is considered discriminatory in the delivery of frequencies in favour of members of the ruling class who control most of the country’s broadcast sector. It is also viewed as an organ that exists to check the creation of potentially critical outfits. “News channels find it harder to be allowed to air than entertainment channels.” Independent broadcasters like the Catholic Radio Magnificat and the Protestant Radio Eveille waited for years before gaining the right to broadcast. Most initiatives from independent private citizens never go through because “files end up in drawers”. 106 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO 2013