SECTOR 4 It was noted that ‘the basic principles of journalism are universal, and should be adhered to by journalists, regardless of the existence of a code of ethics. Yet, there is little effort in media houses and newsrooms to teach the new journalists about professionalism and ethics. Most media houses don’t have any internal training programmes that discuss issues of ethics and conduct. More experienced media practitioners keep in mind that it is important to adhere to a basic code of conduct and standards.’ When it was fully functional, the PBC had an appeals and complaints committee to deal with grievances. With its collapse and due to the absence of a media ombudsman, there is a glaring absence of a complaints mechanism. The only recourse would be to challenge the publication of misinformation in a court of law. ‘You cannot raise complaints and if you do, you have to report to the same people who are writing the story, which will usually result in ridicule or even intimidation.’ This dissuades members of the public from voicing a complaint in the first place. Some media houses are in the process of developing internal editorial policies in an attempt to revive professionalism. 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: ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 2.3 (2005 = 3.6; 2007 = 3.3; 2009 = 2.9; 2011 = 2.8; 2014 = 3.2) 4.3 Salary levels and general working conditions, including safety for journalists and other media practitioners are adequate. Inadequate remuneration affects private media practitioners across the board. ‘I left my last job as an editor precisely because of my poor pay.’ A reporter who worked in the same newsroom for three years received a meagre wage of 1,500 BWP (159 USD) per month. There is no standard for entry-level salaries in the private media, but a journalist with a degree ‘can get 3,000 BWP (298 USD) at entry level. An experienced editor in a private media house can earn around 20,000 BWP (1,985 USD). At state media outlets, entrance level salaries are around 7,000 BWP if you have a degree.’ AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2018 51