SECTOR 2

With regards to television networks, there are only two covering the entire
national territory for the moment. This being the public networks of RTI 1 and
RTI 2. RTI is not received everywhere. However private televisions networks will
see the light of day shortly. As a result, the Haute Autorité de la Communication
Audiovisuelle (HACA) is in the process of liberalising the televisual space in
Côte d’Ivoire. According to the panel, this is to be done in conformity with the
government decision taken during the cabinet meeting of 24 February 2016. A
tender was launched on 20 May 2016, on the eve of the panel.
In Côte d’Ivoire a television set, which costs around 150.000 FCFA (USD 256) is
still not affordable to every household. By contrast, the radio is more accessible,
with both private and public sector radio stations reaching broad audiences. In
the regions, internet connection is not accessible everywhere. Connection devices
(dongles) are available at 5.000 FCFA (USD8.50) or 10.000 FCFA (USD17). But
security is not guaranteed especially with the “grazers”1. Côte d’Ivoire has 7
million mobile phone owners – a third of the population.

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:

2.8 (2012 = 3.4, 2009 = 5.0)

2.2 Citizens’ access to domestic and international media sources is not restricted by state authorities.
The panel was unanimous in its view that the state does not restrict access to
national and international media, despite pointing out that in a limited fashion,
there have been periods of crisis that led to cuts in order to block certain media.

1

“brouteurs”: swindlers that skim the internet in order to abuse citizens

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Côte d’Ivoire 2016

83

Select target paragraph3