SECTOR 4 One of the main areas of concern is that the media across the board are not carrying enough investigative stories primarily because resources at media houses are stretched thin and these types of stories require time, skills and money. Investigative journalism needs specialised skills beyond the mere pursuing of a hard news or feature story. Journalists need persistence, patience and the ability to look for evidence to back up claims made in the story. These qualities are lacking in the new crop of journalists. Journalists who have experience and skill are moved into management positions after five or six years in the profession and do not have the time to do the kind of investigative and analytical stories they received recognition for. Passing on their skills is difficult in an environment that has tight deadlines and suffers from work overload. Amongst the younger journalists there is a culture of fear and they are unable to deal with intimidation. It takes courage to work on an issue involving influential people. Journalists are aware that they do not enjoy any protection after they have done an investigative story – they could be forced to reveal a source or even get into more serious trouble. Media houses are reluctant to invest in investigative reporting in terms of insurance which is needed to protect journalists. 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: 3.1 (2010:2.6; 2008:2.5; 2006:1.8) 4.4 Equal opportunities regardless of race or ethnicity, social group, gender/sex, religion, disabilities and age are promoted in media houses. There are very few women in decision making positions in the print media while there are far more women heading various departments in the broadcasting sector. The Zimbabwe Independent appointed its first female news editor in March this year, barely four months after she had been promoted to senior political editor. At NewsDay, the features editor is female and the Daily News has a woman deputy AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2012 53