SECTOR 4

4.2 The media follow voluntary codes of professional
standards, which are enforced by independent/nonstatutory bodies that deal with complaints from
the public.
In Togo, many journalists are unaware of the existence of a Code of ethics developed
by the Observatoire Togolais des Médias (OTM). Therefore, they neither comply
with it nor respect it.
Some only discover it when they are arraigned before the OTM. A minority refuses
to respond to OTM summons, but this does not in the least diminish the efficacy of
the observatory. The latter can inflict penalties on a media outlet, which are taken
into account in the allocation of aid to the press. A penalty reduces a score of 100
by ten points.

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:

2.4 (2013 = 2.5; 2010 = 2.9)

4.3 Salary levels and general working conditions, including safety, for journalists and other media practitioners are adequate.
When compared to the general minimum wage of CFA francs 35,000 (USD 70),
it is difficult to assert that Togolese journalists are well paid. There is no collective
agreement for journalists, even though negotiations were initiated in 2011. This
precarious situation means that a journalist begins his career as a reporter and 6
months later becomes a media owner.
In the private print media sector, some journalists are paid for each article that is
published.

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AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TOGO 2017

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