SECTOR 3 3.5 The editorial independence of the state/public broadcaster from political influence is guaranteed by law and practised to ensure balance and fair news and current affairs programmes. Nothing in Law 92-02 relating to the establishment of the RTS explicitly provides for protection of public radio and television from political influences or for a guarantee of balance and equity in the treatment of information. A speaker adds that on two counts at least the independence of the RTS is questionable: the revocability of the managing director and the method of his/her appointment, which is left entirely to the discretion of the government. However, the panel notes that the radio component displays some measure of editorial independence which television does not have, “while the two entities are housed in the same building and are governed by the same legislation”. One of the panel members attributes this asymmetry to the fact that television exercises a real attraction, whereas the radio component of RTS has less magnetic power over the political decision makers. It is difficult, however, to provide concrete proof of real interference by politicians, according to him. Lapses in editorial equality and equity are generally the result of personal choice and behaviour. The examples cited by the panel in this regard are numerous and edifying: well-known journalists who have recently “come out” politically, in favour of the presidential party; others who openly flaunt their brotherhood or religious persuasions, their friendship with foreign political leaders; the refusal of the RTS to broadcast a topic relating to the campaign against land grabbing, on the grounds that the matter is no longer at issue; blocking the broadcast of a report on land management in Bargny in a magazine programme on the environment; censorship by the RTS of images of the popular uprising on 23 June 2011 against the adoption of an electoral law; etc. 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: 2.0 (2010:n/a; 2008:n/a; 2006:n/a) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SENEGAL 2013 107