SECTOR 2 of the screen. And when it comes to claiming their due, women have been at the forefront, as could be seen especially with their march that was banned. Some journalists and others on the panel suggested that the coverage of typical women’s topics (e.g. free caesarean sections) which fall outside the prevailing political events and stories of mass appeal is not very attractive for female journalists either. The urge to boost sales also leads media owners to turn towards content with more selling potential (that is, more political and politicised). On the other hand, interactive radio programmes have led to an explosion of diverse opinions and given space to extremely buoyant and lively reactions from male and female listeners alike. 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: 4.3 (2008 = n/a; 2006 = n/a) 2.8 All media fairly reflect the voices of society in its ethnic, linguistic, religious, political and social diversity. The media law forbids the creation of media outlets based on ethnic, political or religious affiliation. Furthermore, one of the missions of the High Communication Authority (HAC) is to “ensure respect for diversity of opinion in public communication services” (article 1 of Law 003 of 2010). Panelists expressed the opinion that the question of balance and fairness forms an integral part of media ethics in general. Journalists should process information with particular attention to balance. This, they felt, was all the more important given the socio-political situation of Guinea, which is characterised by an upsurge of ethno-partisan pronouncements in almost all regions of the country. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER GUINEA 2011 93