SECTOR 4 into the operations of the supermarket chain Choppies: it was uncovered that they sold ‘rotten food’ to their customers. As a result, Mmegi was threatened ‘with a lawsuit of 1 billion BWP (99,205,000 USD). The newspaper was informed about the lawsuit just before they were about to publish the ‘killer punch’ story. Mmegi’s management [however] was extremely terrified and despite being provided with undeniable evidence of wrongdoing by the supermarket chain, they ordered the newsroom to kill the story in the interest of business. ‘We [the then newsroom staff] knew that overt offers were made to people in management who were promised a reward for the discontinuation of the story. In this case, the newsroom kept its integrity but management did not.’ Management’s interference with newsroom editorial decisions based on business interests is not uncommon. On request of management, an increasing number of promotional articles are published, parading as news stories: when they are not. There is also the practice of a ‘newspaper-wrap’, where the entire four pages of the outside of the newspaper are filled with promotional material. ‘We confuse our readers, who are unable to separate advertisements from news.’ A wealthy Botswana based businessman, Simbi Phiri, who is said to be involved in corruption is well known for paying for newspaper wraparounds. A panellist shared two separate instances of journalists being paid by trade unions. One of the journalist’s in question had his training subsidised by a union, and in return, he would report favourably on the union and omit any scandalous information or activities. At radio stations, it is often assumed that staff is involved in the common practice of ‘payola’, where they receive payments or other favours as an incentive for repeatedly airing a specific song. Others, it is alleged, may receive incentives to advertise a specific product brand on their programmes. Though the practice is commonly practised and known about, evidence is usually unattainable. Sports journalists tend to always seek favour with the leadership of sports clubs because they offer trips to international events and other benefits. This clearly has an impact on the way media practitioners report. Generally, media houses do not have internal policies that uphold integrity, while still allowing the ‘quid pro quo’ receipt of gifts or freebies. It was emphasised that misconduct in the hiring process occurs. ‘During recruitment in broadcasting, for instance, a lot of dirty games are going on in which producers will make sexual advances to the applicants and the person [who seems] most likely to agree to these moves will be chosen regardless of their actual talent or suitability.’ AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2018 55