SECTOR 4 In principle, the ZMC should constitute media ethics council. But because of the divide, civil society is not comfortable with ZMC and prefers to side with VMCZ. Most disagree with the notion of co-regulation. “VMCZ is a good initiative, but some view it as toothless, and therefore go the court route. But it also works for those that use it. Something needs to be done to give it some teeth and make it more effective.” Noting that the VMCZ has shifted its focus to training, that it only reacts once complaints have ben issued, and that the Council no longer holds regular meetings with its members on ethical codes, “If you look at the role of VMCZ and what it was originally set up for, you can see that they’ve veered off a bit. This has been somewhat disappointing.” 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: 2.6 (2012 = 3.2; 2010 = 2.8; 2008 = 1.7; 2006 = 1.1) 4.3 Salary levels and general working conditions, including safety, for journalists and other media practitioners are adequate. There is a large gap between the salaries of editors and those of reporters at both state and private media. At state media, junior reporters can expect to earn USD 650-700, senior reporters earn about USD 700-750, and desk editors earn USD 1,000; while editors earn approximately USD 6,500 (including allowances). The private media attempts to compete with the state media in terms of salaries, but has been struggling due to the economic situation, and has therefore removed all perks (e.g. medical aid, pension, etc.) from salary packages. Here, entry-level reporters and subeditors earn about USD 500, senior editors earn USD 800-1,000, desk editors earn USD 1200-1400, and Editors earn USD 4,500. 54 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2015