NIGERIA 2.11 State print media are not subsidized with tax payer’s money ANALYSIS: State newspapers sometimes enjoy the advantage of receiving subsidies or monthly subventions. For example, sub-national governments in the northern part of the country subsidize “The New Nigerian”, a federal government owned paper which caters especially for northern interests. State media are usually sponsored directly through the budget of the state Ministry of Information. It should be noted that subsidies may take the form of bigger advertising which are of course paid for by the state. On the other hand, even private papers get money from state governors. SCORES: Individual scores: 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1 Total score: 11 Average score: 1.4 2.12 Government does not use its power over the placement of advertisement as a means to interfere with media content. ANALYSIS: Influencing media content through the power of advertising is fairly prevalent. Be it in the private or public media, governments are the biggest advertisers and they use this power to influence editorial content or sanction sections of the media that are critical of government. As an example for the influence of governors the South-West was cited, where the “Tribune” is supported by advertising for which the local governor expects compliance or confor18 African Media Barometer - Nigeria 2008