SECTOR 4 Gifts can also influence journalists’ integrity. Some media houses, however, do have policies in this regard. At New Era, any gift over N$500 must be declared to the editor. At the NBC, the amount is only N$100, but the outdated policy is being reviewed. The Namibian, however, has no such policy and “it’s up to the individual journalist to remain impartial with regard to the story”. There is a sense that attempts are made to bribe people, although panellists did not know how widespread this was. Mention was made of a Chinese company known to offer gifts of N$1,000 cash to New Era journalists in order to get positive coverage. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator. 3 Country meets many aspects of indicator but progress may be too recent to judge. 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has been doing so over time. Average score: 3.6 (2005 = n/a; 2007 = n/a) 4.9 Salary levels and general working conditions for journalists and other media practitioners are adequate. Analysis: Journalists working in the private media can earn around N$15,000 a month, but do not have as many benefits as those working in the state media. At the New Era, junior journalists are paid up to N$7,000 a month, while senior journalists get about N$15,000, with medical aid and contribution to pension funds. Salaries at the NBC were increased in 2008, with an additional increment depending on the number of years spent working at the institution. The packages, which usually include housing subsidies, among other benefits, make the salaries relatively attractive. However, the working environment at the NBC is problematic, including outdated equipment and dilapidated premises, especially in the radio building. 66 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2009