SECTOR 4 Most media houses are unable to provide pay increases commensurate with changes in the economy, inflation, etc. “So, it’s a depressing environment.” Working conditions also leave much to be desired. “Most private media newspapers have a flat newsroom system, where you have the same teams working on the daily, weekly and bi-monthly products. I deal with three titles, and am only off on a Saturday. Of course, this is not in line with labour regulations, but when you want to claim your days, they say you need to be setting the example. So, it’s a difficult situation at the moment.” Additionally, reporters do not have physical or job security, and often lack the tools of the trade (including transportation) to help them work optimally. There have also been incidents in which journalists from both state and private media have been beaten and harassed, and verbal attacks made on them by politicians, which “gives impetus to the police to disrespect the media. This leaves them vulnerable.” Some panellists argued that the lack of safety/security and the low pay, has served as grounds for the level of corruption seen in Zimbabwean media. “When the perks have been removed and you have to pay your own pension, that’s a problem. That’s where the issue of corruption then kicks in to make ends meet. And it often happens at the senior level.” Other panellists, however, noted that salary conditions in the media – compared to other sectors – are reasonable, and that corruption should not be linked to these conditions. “The monies that colleagues are talking about are not bad considering the current state of the economy. A civil servant doctor, teachers, and so forth, are not earning as much as these journalists.” Female journalists face unique problems with regards to these working conditions. Without contracts, for example, their job security is compromised when it comes to things such as maternity leave, for example. “There is a lot of gender insensitivity in terms of conditions that female journalists face, especially considering their roles and responsibilities and opportunities for promotion because of the roles they have at home.” The number of active freelance journalists has decreased over the past few years. Zimpapers currently has four sitting correspondents, who receive a fixed retainer of USD 350. They do not receive additional salary benefits though, but can access office resources (e.g. pool cars or other resources needed to carry out their job) as the permanent staff would. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2015 55