SECTOR 3 3.8 The state/public broadcaster is technically accessible in the entire country. Nationwide coverage by the RTI has never been achieved for geographic reasons (topographical) that are quite understandable. At its highest – prior to the crisis – RTI’s channel one covered almost 80% of the country. However, the reach of the national television reduced to less than 50% during the partitioning of the country between the North controlled by the Forces Nouvelles (FN) and the South by the government authorities. In the area under control of FN, some RTI facilities were completely damaged whereas production and broadcasting equipment were diverted by the rebellion for propaganda purposes and the channel renamed Télé Mutins (Rebel TV) before being changed later to Notre Patrie (Our Land). In the Linas-Marcoussis (2003) and Pretoria agreements, the reunification and rehabilitation of state television were identified as priority actions by the political actors. A plan estimated at 8 billion CFA francs was presented to the authorities in 2005 by Mr. Kébé Yacouba, then RTI Executive Officer. Today, most of the transmitters that had been damaged are now functional. According to panel members, the public broadcaster is again on track to ensuring the widest national coverage. This goal should be reached as soon as the last obstacles are lifted. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator. 3 Country meets many aspects of indicator but progress may be too recent to judge. 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has been doing so over time. Average score: 110 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER IVORY COAST 2009 2,9