Swaziland to protect advertisers. Recently the Times rejected an investigative piece that dug up dirt about a major advertiser. The same article has been submitted to the Nation magazine, the second biggest private media operator where the editor is also part owner, but is yet to be published. Media owners also want input on editorial decisions to ensure libellous content is avoided. It was observed that “owners must put more trust in their editors.” SCORES: Individual scores: 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 3, 1, 2 Average score: 1.6 4.8 (2005=1.6) Salary levels and general working conditions for journalists and other media practitioners are adequate to discourage corruption. ANALYSIS: There has been considerable improvement in salary levels and working conditions over the past two years. The resurrection of the union provided major impetus to improve conditions and media owners realised they would continue to lose valuable staff unless salary levels were increased. The average salary for junior reporters has more than doubled to E2,200-2,500. Senior reporters receive no less than E3,500. Journalists all receive medical aid and some media houses offer pension schemes as well. It is worth noting, however, that salaries in the media industry are still low compared to other sectors. But the low salaries are not African Media Barometer - Swaziland 2007 41