SECTOR 4 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: 3.5 (2005: 2.3; 2007: 2.0; 2009: 1.9; 2011: 3.4) 4.3 Salary levels and general working conditions, including safety, for journalists and other media practitioners are adequate. There are no minimum salaries or minimum standards by which media houses have to abide; as such, it was explained that “everyone goes in and negotiates for themselves”. Generally, working conditions in public media institutions are far better than those in private media houses, partly because in public institutions employees are in a better position to negotiate through their union - the Namibian Public Worker’s Union (NAPWU). About two years ago, NBC staffers went on strike for a month in a call for improvements in their working conditions. “...everyone goes in and negotiates for themselves.” As a full time employee at NBC, a junior reporter can expect about N$12,500 (1,060 USD) per month, and a senior reporter about N$25,000 (2,100 USD) per month. Furthermore, they get yearly salary increments and inflation adjustments, as well as a housing allowance, pension and medical aid. While they might be required to work overtime and on weekends, they are compensated accordingly. “People get very comfortable at the NBC but there is a lack of growth”, noted one panellist. The Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA) was noted as the “best paying” media institution. In private media institutions, while salaries range from one media house to another, in general, entry-level journalists may expect to earn between N$3,000 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2015 57