SECTOR 2 Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 3.1 (2007=4.3; 2009=1.9; 2011=2.8) 2.6 Government promotes a diverse media landscape with economically sustainable and independent media outlets. Despite aid to the private press estimated at 350 million CFA francs (700,000 US dollars), the Government does not promote a viable and independent economic environment. Most press organs barely survive according to one panellist, who cited the case of a radio station whose employees’ salaries were 26 months in arrears. The panel was of the opinion that the criteria for allocation of aid to the press are not always adhered to. When a press organ is singled out more than three times by the ODEM (Observatoire de la déontologie et de l’éthique dans les médias – Professional Practices and Media Ethics Observatory) it is not eligible for aid to the press. When aid is allocated, it has no impact on journalists. Press bosses stand accused of not investing to improve working conditions for journalists. Taxation on the media does not foster a viable economic environment. Community radios paid 500,000 CFA francs (1000 US dollars) in annual licensing fees before the amount was adjusted downwards to 200,000 CFA francs (400 US dollars) in accordance with the provisions of Article 2 of Decision No. 08-50/HAAC of 12 December 2008 on the fixing of new rates for licence fees to be paid by promoters of private radio and television broadcasts for each category. The difficulties noted have prompted associations to call for a fund to support media development. One panellist revealed that there is a legal deadlock on such a fund. Worse still, he added, it would be foolish to think that the professional associations would have any control over such a fund. 82 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2014