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: 2.7 (2008: 2.9; 2011: 1.8) 3.2 Broadcasting is regulated by an independent body that is adequately protected by law against interference and whose board is not dominated by any particular political party and is appointed – in an open way – involving civil society and not dominated by any particular political party. The NBC has the status of a parastatal, which compromises its independence. It is run directly under the Ministry of Information and often receives directives from the presidency. NBC’s members and staff are also appointed by the government, and provisions in the Commission’s founding laws make the organ prone to government intervention. Members of the commission are handpicked from different sectors, but are predominantly members or supporters of the ruling party. Those who come in neutral often feel the urge to toe political lines to keep their positions. The law gives the Minister of Information the power to hire and fire members of the Commission. With the change of administration earlier this year, it is expected that members of the NBC – mostly sympathisers of the past administration and ruling party – will be replaced. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2015 41