SECTOR 4 4.5 Journalists and media houses have integrity and are not corrupt In Benin, the terms ‘press release’ or final communiqué do not always mean what one might think – they are code words that refer to the money that journalists receive to cover an event (such as a press conference). These could mean anything ranging from tips to kickbacks. Giving money to journalists to cover events, attend press conferences or conduct interviews is a common and normal practice, a panellist explained. For some journalists, corruption is their main source of income, bringing in more money than their monthly salaries. It is common to come across a young journalist living in a big house and driving luxury cars (which they cannot afford on their salary) after only a few years of employment. ‘They know which event organisers pay better than others and work with their editors to cover only events that can bring in more money.’ Poor working conditions and low wages could explain the level of corruption in the media in Benin, but the fact that well-paid journalists (including media owners and their poorly paid colleagues) are involved shows that the roots are to be found elsewhere. A theory is that the practice started as an ‘assignment allowance’ paid to journalists of the state media each time they travelled with ministers and other senior officials in the field. When the practice caught on within private media, it was transformed into all kinds of payments for journalism services. 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: 42 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2018 ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓✓ ✓✓✓ ✓ ✓ 1.6 (2007 = n/a; 2009 = 1.1; 2011 = 1.7; 2014 = 1.2)