of political and economic issues or where media owners may be involved. Media owners are said to be interfering “systematically” in the editorial independence of their outlets. Sometimes journalists do attempt to resist such interference by invoking the conscience clause in the Press Code, occasionally they also leave their job in protest. Corruption is endemic in the Togolese media, according to the panel. Media outlets are being paid to adopt a certain editorial line and owners accept that their journalists receive money from individuals or organisations. During election periods media outlets agree to cover specific candidates in exchange for payment. Events where journalists are likely to receive per diems are particularly popular. These per diems are known as ‘gombos’. Working conditions in the media in Togo are deplorable. There is a lack of logistical means, in particular transport, and journalists earn an average wage of between thirty and forty US dollars per month. Some even volunteer their services and survive thanks to the ‘gombos’. In rare cases, salaries can go up to two hundreds US dollars a month. There are a number of journalism training facilities in Togo and media organisations strive to train their members in these facilities. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TOGO 2010 79