SECTOR 4 4.8 Salary levels and general working conditions for journalists and other media practitioners are adequate. Salaries of journalists vary considerably from one media outlet to the other, based on the level of education, professional experience and the circumstances under which the journalist was recruited. Some journalists have a salary of only 140 dollars (100 Euros), i.e. barely the minimum wage. In exceptional cases, journalists may earn a very high salary (about 1,700 to 2,000 dollars) but they are very few. ...journalism is “one of the most insecure trades” in the country Salary levels are nonetheless generally low: 560 dollars on average. However, journalists are not less well-off than other professional categories that also play an important role in the democratic and development process of the country; the salary of an inexperienced teacher is between 280 and 340 dollars and that of a university professor is 560 dollars. Consequently, many journalists desert editorial offices to work in the communication departments (as communication or press liaison officers) of public institutions or private companies. The investment of rich businessmen in the media sector also tends to raise salary levels as a result of the competition to recruit the best journalists. The panel believes that journalism is “one of the most insecure trades” in the country. This is confirmed by the almost systematic lack of social security, the inadequacy of working tools and the permanent insecurity. For instance, families of about ten journalists assassinated during the political and military crisis received no compensation because the victims had no insurance. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator. 3 Country meets many aspects of indicator but progress may be too recent to judge. 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has been doing so over time. Average score: 58 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ALGERIA 2009 1.3