One of the most powerful causes of self-censorship in the media is the need to protect advertising revenue. Censoring content to protect advertisers has become increasingly common. And since the government and parastatals are the biggest advertisers, this means information critical of government and public bodies can be withheld from the public. Corruption amongst journalists was also cited as a cause of self-censorship. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 4.7 2, 2, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 2 1.5 (2005=1.4) Owners of private media do not interfere with editorial independence. ANALYSIS: At the main private media outlet, the Times, the owner interferes heavily with editorial independence. The owner is “literally in the newsroom” and regularly sits in on editorial meetings. Staff feel pressure to accede to the owner’s editorial demands and if they don’t, they risk being “victimized”. One of the main reasons owners try to influence editorial content is to protect advertisers. Recently the Times rejected an investigative piece that dug up dirt about a major advertiser. The same article has been submitted to the Nation magazine, the second biggest private media operator where the editor is also part owner, but is yet to be published. Media owners also want input on editorial decisions to ensure libellous content is avoided. It was observed that “owners must put more trust in their editors.” SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 4.8 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 3, 1, 2 1.6 (2005=1.6) Salary levels and general working conditions for journalists and other media practitioners are adequate to discourage corruption. ANALYSIS: There has been considerable improvement in salary levels and working conditions over the past two years. The resurrection of the union provided major impetus to improve conditions and media owners realised they would continue to lose valuable staff unless salary levels were increased. The average salary for junior reporters has more than doubled to E2,200-2,500. Senior reporters receive no less than E3,500. Journalists all receive medical aid and some media houses offer pension schemes as well. It is worth noting, however, that salaries in the media industry are still low compared to other sectors. But the low salaries are not necessarily linked to levels of corruption. The consensus was that corruption will exist “no matter how much you pay a person.” Corruption in the media is rife. Reporters are offered large sums to drop a story altogether So This Is Democracy? 2007 -246- Media Institute of Southern Africa