SECTOR 3 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: 1.5 (2007= n/a; 2009=1.1; 2011=1.2) 3.7 The state/public broadcaster offers diverse programming formats for all interests including local content and quality public interest programmes. Public television does not take public interest into account. Those who have access to the bouquet prefer to “zap” (flick) between channels, as the public television offer is made up mainly of marches in support of the Head of State and his meetings. Programmes are sometimes stopped or cancelled when all participants are already present on the set. A former television CEO ordered a live broadcast to be stopped. An interview made 5 years ago was never broadcast, lamented a panellist. Worse, the President of the Republic called in directly to say “that he is not to be cut off when he speaks on television”. Current affairs reports are broadcast two or three days after the event, with no explanation. The quality level of national television is different from that of radio. Radio programmes are more varied and attractive. Every day there are current affairs features. All of which prompts the panel to conclude that “national radio practically achieved its independence a long time ago”. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2014 95