African Media Barometer Benin

Freedom of expression including that of the media is guaranteed and protected by the Constitution and the laws of Benin. Sadly, the exercise of that freedom has deteriorated considerably during the last three years, there are no laws to protect confidential sources of information. The media as a critical stakeholder has seen some heavy influence from government that it is trying to stifle media freedom in this country. For now, there is no access to information bill but supposedly it is currently ‘work-in-progress’ which was instituted by collective consultative efforts between civil society organisations and various media houses subject to government with the aim of benefiting all citizens. The involvement of civil society organisations has seen positive trends in maintaining freedom of press.

The ratio between availability and affordability of information sources in print and electronic media is questioned as there seems to be an unbalanced gap stemming from the distribution process to rural citizens. Self-censorship is practised for political and economic reasons. Trade unions that are supposed to represent the interest of various media practitioners have failed to adequately present the interests of its members on issues arising from salary discrepancies largely in the private sector. A positive viewpoint shows that the media does not discriminate and indeed reflect the voices of the minorities and society at large.