SECTOR 2 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: 1.9 (2008 = 2.1) 2.4 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference. State-run newspapers in Nigeria exist essentially to promote the agenda of public authorities, and enjoy no protection against influential politicians. Editorial interference is both direct and indirect. In addition to public authorities reprimanding editors or reporters for negative reports, editors and reporters feel compelled to practice self-censorship to protect their jobs. It is common for state media journalists to cover a story that will never be published because of the sensitive nature of the subject, whether or not it is in the public interest. “State correspondents generally do not write anything that is negative against the state, the governor or that promotes the agenda of the opposition parties within the state,” said a panellist. In several instances, public authorities employ journalists for the sole purpose of guarding their political interests. “State correspondents generally do not write anything that is negative against the state...” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2011 23