Zimbabwe 4.8. Salary levels and general working conditions for journalists and other media practitioners are adequate to discourage corruption. ANALYSIS: Corruption is rampant – but this is not confined to journalists alone. It is a problem of society and the system as a whole. In the case of the media, one of the main reasons for corruption is the constant fear of losing one’s job by falling foul of the stipulations set by AIPPA. This exposes journalists to the temptation to accept bribes and incentives as long as they are available. Working conditions are poor. For example, salaries range between Z$3 and Z$15 million at the national broadcaster, which is far below the poverty line of Z$28 million at present (March 2006). The situation at other media organisations is slightly better, but – compared to other industries - journalists do not enjoy benefits such as housing loans, company cars or entertainment allowances. Musicians complain that they have to pay for reviews to be done and their music to be played on air. Journalists ask business people not for a bribe, but for a “loan” as a condition for a favourable article. They regularly get “presents” such as radio-3CD changers, beds and other assets from persons who want to avoid having negative stories written about them. Certain politicians are always frequenting the press’ meeting point, the Quill Club, where invitations start with lunch and progress until something more substantial is offered and the terms are spelt out: “I can help with bridging your loan gaps”, “I have influence and I can assist with the bureaucrats”. A journalist was offered “a little ladder to get him to finish building his house”. Then the politicians tell their story – and get it published. SCORES: Individual scores: 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 3 Average score: 1.4 36 African Media Barometer - Zimbabwe 2006