SECTOR 4 The integrity of journalists is also compromised by other practices that violate both professional standards and general norms of ethical behaviour. Panelists cite numerous cases of blackmail. One of the tried and tested techniques is to “invent a harmless piece of news and then embellish it, intimating that some information has been kept back to be published later.” The purpose is to induce the target to negotiate and come to some form of accommodation in order to block the release of information. Another example cited was that of a journalist who paid staff members of a company for information about their director general in order to blackmail him through the media. There is also the almost systematic use of “gombo”, in other words a reward paid to journalists in exchange for compliant and favourable coverage. In this regard, the panel saw no difference between the state and the private media. The state media sometimes demand transport for their reporting team from event organisers. In addition, the journalists themselves may ask for their share of “gombo”. If by chance the organiser gives them the same amount as the private media, their reaction may be negative. Finally, mention needs to be made of groups of so-called journalists who have no known connection with any media outlet, but who – thanks to a good information system - will turn up to “cover” all the events where they hope to collect an incentive or “gombo”. These groups have earned a veritable reputation for themselves under various names: “G16”, “G20” or “G22”, etc. One panelist noted that in spite of all this there are still journalists with integrity who refuse to take any form of remuneration without justification. 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: 130 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TOGO 2010 1.5