SECTOR 2 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: 4.0 (2012 = 4.0, 2009 = 4.5) 2.3 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference. One panellist posited that although the daily Fraternite Matin and the Ivorian Press Agency (AIP) are not subjected to interference from the public authorities, they are sometimes faced with the zeal of certain officials. It has happened that a Minister of Communication wanted to see the headlines of Fraternite Matin before going to press, and that the general manager refused this request, without consequence to him in terms of punishment. In all cases, the law of 2004 governing the press stipulates that a journalist should not be afraid because of what he/she writes. Moreover, steps have been taken for general managers of state media to be appointed only after completing an application process. But this is not yet in effect. In short, the problem is still due to the judicial status of these companies, which provides for the nomination/ appointment of managers. One panellist recalled the already infamous case of Leon Francis Lebry, nominated general manager of Fraternite Matin under President Laurent Gbagbo. Lebry only stayed in his position for three weeks before being transferred by the head of state by means of a presidential decree on 26 November 2006, for having written a favourable article of the previous Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, who placed him in that position. Generally, the state media are exposed and a general manager has no protection. Thus, as long as there is no law, it is not possible to stand up to pressure and abuse. 84 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Côte d’Ivoire 2016