Some panelists were doubtful, citing the fact that the current CNC chairman is a member of the party in power and that, if there had been a genuine desire to protect the CNC against undue influence from politicians, members of political parties would have been excluded from the outset from chairing the authority. 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: 3.0 (2008 = n/a; 2006 = n/a) 3.3 The body, which regulates broadcasting services and licences, does so in the public interest and ensures fairness and a diversity of views broadly representing society at large. The decisions of the regulatory body are made on the basis of rules and regulations defined by the members themselves, in line with existing legislation. Perhaps most importantly, article 30 (2) of Law 002 granting press freedom stipulates that “no private or community radio or television station shall, directly or indirectly, identify itself with a political party, religion, region or an ethnic group.” The aim of this provision is to ensure that all strata of society have equitable access to the media. Authorisation to broadcast is granted by the regulatory body to private radio and television stations as well as community radios. In the past, such authorisation was given by the Ministry of Information and it was often accused of hindering the process rather than playing an enabling role. Even under the new dispensation, it is still mandatory for operators to sign an agreement with the Ministry of Communication after receiving authorisation to broadcast. The posts and telecommunications regulatory body (L’agence de regulation des postes et telecommunications, ARPT) is in charge of technical aspects of the licensing 100 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER GUINEA 2011