SECTOR 4 The high level of corruption has ruined the reputation and integrity of Nigerian media organisations. Newspaper sales have fallen and advertising revenue has shrunk as a result of this corruption. More and more, the public is aware that news is manipulated, and they no longer believe most things they read in newspapers or hear on radio and television. Many factors could be responsible for the problem. Low and irregular salaries have put younger journalists at the mercy of rogue newsmakers. A common joke is that some journalists use their press badges as meal tickets. Many newsrooms are unable to pay for the cost of newsgathering, leaving this cost in the hands of event organisers, who take advantage of this to tele-guide reporting. Because it is believed to be easy to make money as a journalist, many have entered the profession for the sole purpose of using their status to extort bribes and gain access to powerful interests. Those who have tried to stay clean have failed. Newswatch, founded by journalists, soon faced decline after giving up its high standards. The Concord Group of Newspapers, now defunct, covered the costs of for its journalists’ endeavours, including buying air tickets and paying hotel bills for its journalists on assignment, but the policy did not last. 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: 2.8 (2008: N/A; 2011: 1.9) 4.6 Journalists and editors do not practise self-censorship in in the private broadcasting and print media. These days, Nigerian journalists are more outspoken than they were in the past. Some have the reputation of “saying it raw”. But fear still reigns and journalists may not be saying or publishing all they know or think. Insecurity has grown in the country, political powerbrokers are still ruthless and security forces easily get offended. “Nobody tells you don’t do this or that,” said a panellist. “You just study the environment and decide how to carry yourself.” 52 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2015