SECTOR 2 - guarantees the independence and security of all media and communications operators; takes every initiative and action to may increase observance of the code of conduct, ethics and professionalism; encourages creativity in the media and communications field; guarantees the conditions under which the government provides support to the public and private media.” However, this prerogative of the HAAC to monitor competition and concentration is not applied to state media. This remains a wish likely to be circumvented by both private and state actors. This piece of legislation is not appropriate given the evolution of the context over the past few years. 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: 1.9 (2007=4.3) 2.6 Government promotes a diverse media landscape with economically sustainable and independent media outlets. There is a rather upward trend of ruling government and politicians in general to contract information relations with the media. Big shady deals are negotiated and concluded by media houses to cover the political vision of the Head of State and sometimes of other political parties or interest groups. Government contracts amounting to about 400 million CFA francs (610,680 Euros) are signed with each media outlet especially private television networks, which are the government’s key communications channels. In contrast, government aid to all media amounts to 350 million CFA francs (534,350 Euros) per year. While this ensures a certain economic viability of media outlets, it clearly compromises the independence of the media. 88 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2009