SECTOR 1 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: 4.9 (2008 = n/a; 2006 = n/a) 1.6 Entry into and practice of the journalistic profession is not restricted by law. Article 76 of Law 002 defines a professional journalist as “any person with a diploma from a state-recognised school of journalism, whose principal, regular and remunerated activity is to gather, process and disseminate information, and/ or any person, holder of a bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, who has had at least two years of practical experience in gathering, processing and disseminating information in the media, on the testimony of the general manager and/or publisher, or editor of a media house”. This legal restriction was acknowledged as such by one panelist. Others, especially those from the media sector, saw this as a positive step to improve performance in journalism and promote professionalism. In reality, there are few certified journalists and training is of low quality because of the lack of qualified teachers. Regardless of the legal definition, many journalists still ply their trade in Guinea without any hindrance even though they lack the required qualifications. The High Communication Authority (Haute Autorité de la Communication, HAC) issues press cards to journalists in collaboration with recognised professional associations (Art 79). While this card is not a prerequisite for practicing as a journalist, “it supersedes the service card issued by the media houses themselves” (Law 003, article 18). The HAC intends to place greater emphasis on making sure that journalists are indeed in possession of press cards. Panelists expressed the need to control access to clean up the profession and to make it more attractive. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER GUINEA 2011 81