SECTOR 4 4.2 The media follow voluntary codes of professional standards, which are enforced by independent statutory bodies that deal with complaints from the public The National Journalists Union (SNJ) and MISA-Mozambique follow voluntary codes developed in line with the principles informing the self-regulation of the media. These basically address the electoral periods, during which mechanisms are sometimes put in place to ensure monitoring – based on the principle of peer pressure. In non-electoral periods although the codes still exist, they are not observed or monitored. According to panellists, journalists do not seem to adopt these codes, which results in these codes being imposed on them by external forces. Concerning public complaints, in principle, the CSCS is the formally independent state entity dealing with them. However, its operations have been marked by the absence of the institution in the public space – for unknown reasons. 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: Score of previous years: ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ 2.3 2005=2.3; 2007=3.0; 2009=2.7; 2011=2.7; 2014=2.1 4.3 Salary levels and general working conditions, including safety, for journalists and other media practitioners are adequate In general, journalists work in a highly precarious situation. Some journalists do not even have contracts. According to the panellists, when contracts are present, they do not promise the expected labour guarantees. Salaries in the media industry are very low; in a quick appraisal and especially when looking at the general salary level in the country (eg at the salaries of teachers), they appear not to be so bad. However, there is no consideration of the absence of regulated working hours nor the inherent risks of the journalistic profession. The collaborators of community radios are the group are most affected by this situation – there are cases where they work even without any subsidies. 41 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MOZAMBIQUE 2018