SECTOR 2 Access to state media is not restricted by the government authorities. However, the panel noted that in the political arena, declarations of opposition party members are often “commented” by journalists whereas those of the ruling party members or its supporters are broadcast unedited. On the other hand, the Freedom of Expression landscape made available by the state media is not entirely or adequately used by the beneficiaries. For this reason, during the 2000 elections, the daily government newspaper Fraternité Matin, had to publish blank pages for lack of content and projects from certain opposition candidates to whom these pages were dedicated or due to the vicious or illegal nature of the language used by the latter. 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: 3.4 2.9 The country has a coherent ICT policy, which aims to meet the information needs of all citizens, including marginalised communities. The legal and regulatory framework in the information and technology field in Ivory Coast is yet to be completed. A sectoral policy document is about to be adopted. However, a telecommunications Act is already in effect and the government has prepared an action plan in the ICT field. The government has besides set up an adapted institutional framework. The telecommunications sector is regulated by two independent bodies and a VITIB (Information technology and Biotechnology Village) was established in Grand Bassam within the framework of promoting ICTs. However, access to technology could be improved particularly in rural areas. Connection fees and the cost of communication tools and services are high for 98 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER IVORY COAST 2009