SECTOR 4 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: 2.5 (2008 = n/a ; 2006 = n/a) 4.2 The standard of reporting follows the basic principles of accuracy and fairness. The level of reporting is not altogether satisfactory. Information is generally biased and partisan. However, there are a few positive exceptions in the private press. Panelists pointed out, though, that the distinction between the private media, supposedly more balanced, and the public media, accused of propaganda, is not always that clear-cut. Some change towards more balanced reporting has been noted in Horoya, the government-owned daily. Concerning impartiality in reporting, some panel members expressed the view that it was not easy for readers to know exactly what is going on. All too often, the same facts are presented in such a contradictory manner and drawing on such diverse sources that the public is left no other choice really but to doubt their credibility altogether. For some media professionals official sources of information remain inaccessible, leading them to disseminate rumour and unverified information as fact. Panelists spoke of recurring distortions in reporting, notably the blurring of lines between facts and commentary, misleading headlines with no relevance to the body of the article concerned, merely meant to attract readers, and the general lack of training for journalists which reflects in the overall quality of reporting. Newspapers do give room for citizens to exercise their right of reply when they are challenged to do so. However, this only happens very rarely. People usually prefer to steer clear of arguments with journalists, who often have the last word. Faced with this reality, the regulatory body seems completely powerless. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER GUINEA 2011 111