SECTOR 2 However, this practice is not the prerogative of the government alone. Most municipalities and certain political parties at varying degrees have allegedly signed these types of contracts with the media to ensure ‘appropriate’ media coverage of their activities. Most of these contracts are “pathological” and do not promote a diverse media landscape with independent outlets. The official 350 million CFA francs subsidy are small change in comparison with the amounts spend on these contracts. For most panel members, one cannot speak of the promotion of economic viability and independence when the government officially grants a subsidy of 350 million CFA francs for the entire press and then signs a shady 400 million CFA franc contract using taxpayers’ money with one television network. However, taking the example of certain private media outlets such as Canal 3, Matinal and Progrès that also broadcast opposing viewpoints to that of the government, members of the panel believe that it is possible to benefit from this type of contract without lapsing into propaganda or allegiance. Conversely, many examples were cited to illustrate that a media house cannot be economically viable and independent when its whole operations large rely depend on non-transparent state subsidies. The lack of specific fiscal arrangements for media houses does not contribute to their independence. Tax departments clamp down on media outlets in the same manner as they do on grocery stores. They are subject to the same fiscal rigour as any other business. This leads media owners to embark on a profitfocused approach without proper judgment. This results in numerous ethical and deontological issues and is a real barrier to the independence of media outlets vis-à-vis political powers and money movers. Likewise, the fear of possible fiscal retaliatory measures makes certain media managers adopt an editorial line that is not at all critical of the public administration. 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: 1.5 (2007=n/a) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2009 89