SECTOR 2 2.3 Efforts are undertaken to increase the scope of circulation of the print media, particularly to rural communities. Efforts have been made. There are structures such as “La Messagerie du Bénin” that strive to ensure circulation of newspapers in large cities. Most rural communities are, however, cut off from print media information. There is a budget line in the government’s private press subsidy programme managed by HAAC for the establishment of a distribution company. As in the past, print media outlets continue to individually organise themselves to ensure distribution of their newspapers. The existence of several road transport companies facilitates newspaper distribution in large cities on the Cotonou – Malanville and Cotonou – Natitingou highways. Newspaper publishers prefer to focus their efforts in large cities. The sales market for the print media is practically non-existent in other parts of the country. 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: 2.3 (2007=2.1) 2.4 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference The daily newspaper La Nation is published by the public authority. The editorial independence of the state print media is a principle that has always been maintained by journalists at La Nation. However, journalists have noted over the past few years that their independence is not protected against undue political interference. Today, the government daily newspaper La Nation, has become an institutional reporting paper whose articles are no longer of interest to the public. 86 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2009