BENIN’S governmental communications authority has warned journalists about a host of things they will not be allowed to publish during campaigning for a March presidential poll in the west African country. “The role of a journalist at such sensitive times is not to be a harbinger of bad tidings and even less to play the arsonist,” High Audiovisual and Communications Authority (HAAC) chief Timothe Adanlin said on state television. “Respect for basic professional conduct and giving an equal chance to all candidates should be everybody’s daily credo,” he added. Adanlin warned that media outlets should avoid “publishing articles of making broadcasts which directly or indirectly seek to praise or discredit candidates, or using songs, games, advertising, proverbs, satire or caricature – on pain of suspension.” – AFP