SECTOR 3 3.6 The editorial independence of the state/public broadcaster from political influence is guaranteed by law and practiced. The law guarantees the State broadcaster’s editorial independence as a public media service provider but in reality, this independence is not practiced. “Public audiovisual communication is pluralist. Under no circumstances can it be monopolised to the benefit of one opinion or one group of individuals.” (Law no. 96-002 of 22 June 1996, Art. 53). The RTNC behaves like partisan media with staff appointed to defend the interests of the ruling camp. All the RTNC talk show hosts are members of or closely connected to the party in power and the debates are biased towards the party. Editorial independence is also heavily influenced by the significant presence of military personnel on the RTNC grounds, as are the content of programmes and invited guests, of which many fear reprisals in case they voice criticism towards the government. Moreover, criticism had been voiced during the elections, demanding the military to leave so that the police could take control of security for the grounds. As far back as 2007, journalists were arrested at the RTNC, sent to the presidential military camp known as camp “Tshatshi”, accused of being opposed to the Head of State. The opposite of chapter 2 of the African Charter on Broadcasting takes place a the RTNC. Chapter 2 compels states which have ratified the Charter to ensure that state-owned broadcasters are protected against interference and act in the public interest. 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: 1.6 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Democratic Republic of Congo 105