4.6. Journalists and editors do not practise self-censorship. ANALYSIS: Self-censorship is practiced extensively in both the state and independent media – both consciously and unconsciously. Many reporters, whether working for the state or the private media, are “conditioned” in the sense that they know what is expected of them without anyone having to give them directions. They suffer from the ‘Publish and Perish Syndrome’, afraid to publish certain stories for fear of victimisation. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 4.7. 2, 2, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2 1.4 (2006 = 1.7) Owners of private media do not interfere with editorial independence. ANALYSIS: Journalists working in the weekly privately owned newspapers maintain there is no interference from the owners of their publications. Often the owner will check on the paper – the layout and the choice of stories - but will not interfere in the content. But journalists are aware of what is expected from them and what editorial line they are expected to follow –stories that do not conform with these expectations will be spiked anyway. With regard to editorial independence, the blurring of the separation of powers between owners and editors is of great concern. Owners sometimes call to say they want to see certain stories in the paper, or the chief executive will walk into the newsroom, look at the lead story and make comments on which direction the story should take. Problems occur when an editor-inchief is also the publisher/owner of a media outlet. In these cases, there will always be active intervention as he/she will be part of the editorial team. There are cases where the owner may phone journalists in the newsroom to alert them to events that might interest them but does not complain when the suggestion is not taken up. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 4.8. 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1.1 (2006 = 2.2) Salary levels and general working conditions for journalists and other media practitioners are adequate to discourage corruption. ANALYSIS: Salary levels at all media organisations are shockingly low. At the time of the panel meeting (19/20 January 2008) journalists working for a private weekly were being paid Z$30 –Z$70 million a month (the equivalent of US$6-US$14 on the parallel market, or 10 to 20 loaves of bread). Salaries in the state media organisations are slightly better (little more than Z$100 mil- So This Is Democracy? 2008 -278- Media Institute of Southern Africa