SECTOR 4 It has to be noted, however, that ODEM’s role has progressed since it has gone beyond its litigation and arbitration functions to be a mediator between complainants and, even more, jointly played a regulatory role alongside HAAC e.g. ODEM resorts to HAAC, which is better resourced, to handle cases when radios and TV stations are unable to provide audio or video proof in defense of their actions. Apart from a few contentious exceptions and “insensitive” cases, one can say that the media have generally abided by the code of conduct which is one of the reference materials for the handling of litigations that are brought before HAAC. 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: 3.9 (2007 = 5.0 ; 2009 = 4.3) 4.2 The standard of reporting follows the basic principles of accuracy and fairness. his is the area that is mostly infringed upon because of the lack of initial professional training. According to one of the panelists, “these are green novelists who lack the techniques of professional education”. A striking example is the article that was published by a journalist on the thesis of President Yayi Boni’s son which did not have details on the year it was defended, the thematic area, the school in which that happened and the class he obtained. he article lacked the basic ingredients that a trained journalist would have looked out for. It was incomplete and did not follow the principle of cross examination. An even worse development is the serious problem related to accuracy of information and that is assuming alarming proportions ranging from trivialities to false information while providing some “factual comments”5. his is how the reports 5 A reporter covers a press conference and the following day the heading in his newspaper reads “Mr / Ms X was not convinced” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2011 117