NIGERIA 4.6 Journalists and editors do not practise self-censorship. ANALYSIS: Self censorship is prevalent in both State owned and privately owned media principally because journalists fear such consequences such as loss of job, lack of promotion, official reprisals, physical attacks and libel cases. The fragility of the business environment as well as the rapid demise of media have a negative effect on journalistic audacity. SCORES: Individual scores: 2; 2; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 1; 2 Total score: 14 Average score: 1.3 4.7 Owners of private media do not interfere with editorial independence. ANALYSIS: It was felt that given the prevailing trend where politicians found media institutions to prosecute their political objectives, it is inevitable that these kinds of proprietors would interfere with editorial independence. Corporate governance is weak in many privately owned media and interference can sometimes assume blatant forms. “The Sun”, “The Daily Independence”, “The Compass” and “The Nation” , for example, are all owned by former politicians. 34 African Media Barometer - Nigeria 2008