SECTOR 1 1.11 Civil society in general and media lobby groups actively advance the cause of media freedom. In Benin, the media is part of civil society. The question here is to assess civil society’s level of solidarity with the media. In general, civil society and media lobby groups work together to advance the cause of media freedom. Certain instances were described to illustrate that when there is a conflict of interest between the media and other civil society components, civil society actors scorn press freedom and put the lives of journalists at risk. Union leaders and certain NGO managers, dissatisfied with comments made regarding their actions on the private television stations Golfe TV and Canal 3, attacked the journalists and the filming crew. However, these exceptional and rare incidents do not contest the quality of relations between the media and other civil society actors. 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: 4.0 (2007=4.2) 1.12 Media legislation evolves from meaningful consultations among state institutions, citizens and interest groups. In Benin, there is generally consultation when funds exist for the operation. In the case of media and broadcasting laws, the degree of consultation is quite low. The rare occasions of dialogue did not allow actors to influence the content of press and media related laws fundamentally. Currently, a draft information and communication code is being prepared by the Ministry in charge of information. This document, discussed by professionals on many occasions is still in the offices of the Ministry pending a validation workshop that has yet to be organised. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2009 81