SECTOR 4 4.6 Owners of established mainstream private media do not interfere with editorial independence. Editorial independence from owners is difficult to maintain within the Nigerian media landscape. In most cases, owners are also managing directors and even managing editors, and so are closely associated with the development and implementation of editorial policies. In trying to balance editorial credibility of media houses, on the one hand, and their economic interest personal agendas on the other hand, media owners frequently interfere with the daily editorial decision-making process. The degree and form of this interference varies from one media house to the other. In some cases, it is checked by the fear that some journalists could resign and cause the media houses to face public criticism. In a few instances, interference is “positive”, with media owners taking the lead in directing the editorial team to make room for more voices, in order to ensure balanced and fair reporting. 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: 2.3 (2008 = 1.2) 4.7 Journalists and media houses have integrity and are not corrupt. Working conditions are generally tough for Nigerian journalists and this has pushed many to trade their integrity in order to survive. Corruption and the acceptance of tips in cash and in kind are rampant within the industry. “Greed” also pushes even well-paid journalists to demand and accept money from news sources with a clear understanding that in return they will either promote the agenda or cover-up the wrongdoings of their benefactors. It is common practice AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2011 51