as seen in the removal of Radio France International of-air just when it was to broadcast the accusation of 50 parliamentarians against the Head of State. Some citizens followed it via internet though this medium is not accessible in certain parts of the country. With regard to Information Communication Technologies, the State has crafted a general policy especially on cybercrime, electronic signatures etc. However, it looks like it does not have the means to implement this policy. As a result of that, the State has had to allow things to go their own way even when there was the need to intervene on some websites. Civil society in Benin is a close ally to the media. It takes part in discussions on media legislation and supports the media when it is confronted by the state authorities. Unfortunately the results of these discussions are hardly relected in the laws that are inally passed. Benin has a whole host of media organizations (more than 133 periodic papers, 80 dailies and about 300 radio and television channels). However, the required levels of quality have still not been attained. he dailies produce 500 copies on average per day. Some of the papers are unable to go beyond 50 copies, with the highest being 2500 copies. he cost of the papers is rather exorbitant. A daily paper is sold for 300 CFA though the minimum salary is 31 000 CFA (1US$=500 CFA). Unlike radio, and to a lesser extent television, the print media is not very available in rural areas. When the daily papers are out it takes more than a day or two for them to get copies because of the ineicient distribution system. Even papers that have been placed on the internet are not consulted much due to the cost and instability of internet connection in the rural communities where there is some coverage. he State publishes a daily paper, La Nation, which sufers political interference from the state authorities. Some efort has been deployed in legal terms to prevent media concentration and monopolies. his has not gone far since business owners have succeeded in bypassing the legislation. State assistance to the media, which should have normally helped in ensuring diversity, is comparatively low since media organizations are so many (350 million CFA per annum). his has resulted in vulnerable media houses that have had to sometimes sell their independence to the State for their survival. he media have not consciously pursued a gender agenda. Development partners whose core business includes gender issues have however had a positive inluence on the media in this respect. No print media is presented in the local languages. Conversely, about 15 local languages can be heard on some of the rural radio stations. he various ethnic 70 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2011