SECTOR 3 3.2 Broadcasting is regulated by an independent body that is adequately protected by law against interference and whose board is not dominated by any particular political party and is appointed – in an open way – involving civil society and not dominated by any particular political party. The High Council for Audio-Visual Communication (HACA), as defined by its name, is the independent administrative authority responsible for the regulation of audio-visual communication in Côte d’Ivoire. Amongst others, its mission is to ensure the respect of the principles of free exercise of audio-visual communication; to guarantee and ensure the freedom and protection of audiovisual communication in respect of the law; and to watch over the respect of the ethics and deontology of information. The HACA has the power to decide on investigations and enquiries, and exercises control over radio and television broadcasting programs in the framework of respect for pluralism of current thoughts and opinions. The twelve members of the HACA are assigned as follows, and nominated exofficio by decree taken by cabinet: • • • • • • • • • • A professional in communication designated by the President of the Republic; A person designated by the Chairman of the National Assembly; A person designated by the Chairman of the Economic and Social Council; A magistrate designated by the Council of the High Court; A person designated by the Minister of Communications ; A person designated by the Minister of Economics and Finance; A person designated by the Minister of Culture; A person designated by the Minister of Post and Information and Communication Technologies; A person designated by the humans rights associations ; Three representatives of professional bodies in audio-visual communications of which one is a professional broadcaster, one a media engineer and one a professional in production. According to one panellist, with the exception of the Chairperson, the members of the HACA do not exercise these functions permanently. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Côte d’Ivoire 2016 95