SECTOR 4 4.7 Journalists and media have integrity and are not corrupt. Corruption is widespread in the media, and journalists in both the private and public media accept, and even demand, a “transport fare” after an interview or after covering an event. Some media outfits annual excellence awards are viewed simply as money-making schemes. An increasing number of reporters and publishers in Cameroon practice “investigative blackmail”, whereby they dig up wrongdoings by public officials, approach the person(s) in question and inform them of the damaging investigative report they are about to publish. After tough negotiations the reporters then strike a deal with the interested party, which consists of “killing” the story in exchange for substantial pay. 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: 1.0 (2008 = n/a) 4.8 Salary levels and general working conditions for journalists and other media practitioners are adequate. Journalists’ trade unions and media owners have signed a collective bargaining agreement that sets a basic salary scale for journalists. However, most private media outfits say they cannot afford these salaries unless economic conditions for the industry improve. The state and a few private media owners pay good salaries, but the majority pay very little and rely on stringers. Some media owners simply don’t pay at all, and encourage their reporters to live on “transport money” from news sources and event organisers. Precarious working conditions are characterised by a lack of equipment, no means of transport, the absence of health insurance and even the lack of office space. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER CAMEROON 2011 105