SECTOR 4 Follow-up questions Have there been positive changes in the media environment over the last two years? Several positive changes have occurred over the last two years: ��� • • • • • • • • • the number of media professionals within the HAAC has increased (6 out of 9); the enforcement of the 2008 collective bargaining agreement, even if effective observance by stakeholders is yet to become reality; the significant sum of 20 billion CFA francs (30,535,000 Euros) granted to ORTB to ensure complete nationwide coverage; emergency aid to the entire public press in the amount of approximately 1 billion CFA francs; the increase of government aid to the private press from 300 to 350 million CFA francs; the presence of several television stations on satellite networks; establishment of a section on journalism at ENAM (National School of Administration and Judiciary Training); certifying training programmes for media managers by the CAFPJ (African training and excellence centre in journalism) as part of the government’s support to the private media; a more affirmed independence of the HAAC during its 3rd term of office (2002-2008); the increase in the number of women professionals in the media in general and in the broadcasting sector in particular, even if the quality of their work is still questioned by some. Have there been negative changes in the media environment over the last two years? There has been an artificial flooding of the media market through Negative changes include: • • • the excessive government propaganda relayed through the media; the monopolization and authoritative management of state television by the government; the contracting of information in support of the powers that be; AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2009 117