SECTOR 4 Motoring journalists were considered to be the most susceptible to corruption as they are given access to free trips, often overseas, where they are treated to excellent accommodation and food. As a result, the subsequent articles about these vehicles and the manufacturing companies tend to be very positive. Travel and sports journalists are also prone to such manipulation, as are those involved in the beauty and fashion industry. Panellists were concerned, however, that corruption can take forms other than a monetary transactions and freebies, such as being given access to certain influential people. “Journalists are highly politicised. Some are apologists for a particular party or for corporate players in the private sector. Analysts and commentators can be particularly susceptible to bias. Some journalists can easily get an interview with President Zuma, for example, but such articles tend to lack objectivity or be critical in any way.” Mention was made of Gareth van Onselen, formerly the head of communications for the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party, who now works as a journalist for Business Day and the Sunday Times: “Doesn’t this compromise the integrity of these newspapers?” 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: 3.3 (2010: 3.9; 2008: n/a; 2006: n/a) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SOUTH AFRICA 2013 67