The current economic situation and restrictive legislative requirements act as a deterrent to potential investors. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.9 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1 1.1 (2006 = 1.0) Government promotes a political and economic environment which allows a diverse media landscape. ANALYSIS: The economy of Zimbabwe is imploding, with the result of – among many other things – hyper-inflation. The prices of newsprint, ink, labour and fuel are rising steeply on a daily basis. Experienced personnel from the printing industry are migrating to other countries leaving a critical void in the technical pool of skills. This results in shoddy printing work which affects the media industry. The electronic media is also losing skilled staff as they shift to the corporate sector or migrate. The consequence of all this is a cutback in advertising as companies protest high prices, mediocre adverts and inferior media products. As a result diversity in the media landscape is shrinking even further as media organisations downsize or close down. SCORES: Individual score: Average score: 2.10 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 1.0 (2006 = 1.0) Private media outlets operate as efficient and professional businesses. ANALYSIS: Privately owned media houses try to operate as efficient and professional businesses but are unable to do so as a result of the economic situation outlined above. The Zimbabwe Independent, for example, gets its paper out on time, and management is seriously committed to making a profit. Regular board meetings are held and the board does its best to leave editorial policy to the staff. The management of human resources by private media outlets, on the other hand, has always been scandalous. There are strikes in media organisations by staff who are working in poor conditions. The remuneration received by qualified personnel working in the privately owned media is shocking. These media practitioners often work with scarce resources and outdated equipment yet they are being pushed to increase their output all the time. The papers do not often help staff to cover their communication or transport costs. There are no support systems to assist staff on a story where their life may be in danger. If they face litigation as a result of AIPPA there is often no moral support by their organisation. So This Is Democracy? 2008 -267- Media Institute of Southern Africa