SECTOR 3 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. They are the only ones to make up the board. Of the seven (07) board members, four (04) are direct representatives of Ministers (political appointees) and two (02) are appointed by the government based on criteria that do not ensure their independence in relation to political parties. Oftentimes (as is currently the case) the media professional and the consumer representative are persons with financial interest in the broadcasting sector. Mr. Isidore Zinsou who is on the board of directors as the “competent person in matters relating to the broadcasting sector” is indeed a former ORTB employee but is currently an elected mayor of a commune on a political party list as well as a private media promoter. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator. 3 Country meets many aspects of indicator but progress may be too recent to judge. 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has been doing so over time. Average score: 1.3 (2007=1.1) 3.6 The editorial independence of the state/public broadcaster from political influence is guaranteed by law and practiced. There is no law to actually guarantee the editorial independence of the public broadcaster. Even ORTB’s articles of agreement are drafted by the government through the Ministry in charge. The appointment of a head of division is subject to the approval of the Minister. 100 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2009