achievers are visible in Malawi media. This is a departure from their stereotypical representation of the past, when women were associated only with beauty, homemaking and baby sitting. The challenge of motivating women to take part in public debates remains. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 4.6 3, 4, 3, 3, 4, 3, 3, 3, 3 3.2 (2006 = 2.3) Journalists and editors do not practise self-censorship ANALYSIS: Journalism in Malawi was previously concentrated and practised within state/party-controlled media where self-censorship was a creed. New and independent media are challenged to be independent within the legal framework that has remained intact. Libel and defamation laws still loom. In addition, there is commercial pressure from large advertisers who have strong ties with politics of the day. Journalists have to handle such clients with care by treading carefully. By balancing the interests of the old and new media owners, and in fear of losing advertisements, journalists tend to ‘conform’ in order to protect their jobs. Self-censorship becomes a reality in their working lives. Others accept gratifications from news sources. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 4.7 2, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 1.9 (2006 = 2.3) Owners of private media do not interfere with editorial independence ANALYSIS: Owners of private media need to make money to survive. They tend to guard their investment jealously. Some of the owners are former or active journalists who have interest in the media craft and business. They thus tend to influence the practise as well as the direction of the private media. Therefore, viewed from a narrow perspective and in the strict interpretation of the term, it can be said that owners of the media do interfere editorial independence. However, their interference is perceived in a positive way, and not as rather negatively impinging on job satisfaction and security. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: So This Is Democracy? 2008 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 2, 2, 3 2.3 (2006 = 1.7) -192- Media Institute of Southern Africa