SECTOR 3 3.12 Community broadcasting enjoys special promotion given its potential to broaden access by communities to the airwaves. There are no mechanisms specifically dedicated to promoting community radios. They pay a lower license fee than others but are nevertheless subject to follow precise specifications. They have received equipment support from the government over the past few months. There are about 60 community radios in Benin. The first community radios were set up with the support of the OIF (Intergovernmental Organisation of the Francophonie) to extend the services of ORTB. These initial efforts were consolidated by independent community actions supported by the Swiss Cooperation, among others, which financed the construction and equipment of several community radios. One of the distinctive characteristics of Benin is that most of its local rural radios are either community radios or under the tutelage of ORTB. The HAAC distinguishes between two categories of private radio and television stations: commercial radio and television stations; and not-for-profit radio and television stations which include community radios. All of these community radios are currently located in rural areas and are often managed by development associations. 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: 2.4 (2007=1.4) Average score for sector 3: 2.1 (2007=2.4) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2009 105