SECTOR 2 It shall, however, be noted that there are no special legal or regulatory provisions that expressly protect the state-owned daily newspaper from undue political interference. 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: 1.0 2.5 Adequate competition legislation/regulation seeks to prevent media concentration and monopolies It shall be recalled that the publication of a newspaper or a periodical is unrestricted in Ivory Coast provided the promoter or the editing company complies with the law. Consequently, prior authorization is not required to establish a newspaper and there are no limits set by the legislator regarding ownership, concentration, monopoly or competition. Broadcasting is also unrestricted within the limits set by the Broadcasting Act. However, according to the Act, “authorizations to broadcast are granted following a call for bids in the case of commercial radio and television networks or a call for candidates in the case of not-for-profit radio and television networks” (Article 46 of Act 2004-644). The CNCA publishes the list of available frequencies as well as the call for bids or candidates. Only registered businesses or declared associations may submit bids. A committee reviews the bids received and submits its report to the CNCA for a final decision. There is no specific legislation on competition, media concentration and monopoly. However, one of the Committee’s selection criteria is the “diversification of operators and the need to avoid abuse of dominant position as well as practices that inhibit competition”. 94 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER IVORY COAST 2009