explicitly, be considered and classified as partisan (political or ethnic, or both). This, in the opinion of some panelists, explains the existence of a certain “silent majority” among citizens. Some forms of democratic expression, such as protest marches, are not allowed. (After a peaceful march by women’s organisations for equality in February 2011, for example, a communiqué from the Governor of Conakry banned unauthorised marches). The fear of reprisals against journalists by the law enforcement agencies is real in media houses. For example, an innocuous headline reading “The military are rubbing their hands for they will soon be paid” brought soldiers to the office of the newspaper l’Independant. Concerning the state/public broadcaster, panelists were unanimous that censorship and/or self-censorship prevail. This is not just due the status of journalists as civil servants but also to individual reasons linked to the fear of putting one’s career on the line. The situation in the private media is very different: the multiplicity of outlets and the development of interactive programmes have greatly enhanced public expression because callers are guaranteed anonymity. Discussions on air can get quite heated, especially during interactive programmes on political issues. In the private press also, journalists who do their work in a professional manner have nothing to fear. 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: 78 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER GUINEA 2011 3.5 (2008 = n/a ; 2006 = n/a)