AFRICA – ZAMBIA – BRIBERY
Even if the level of corruption related to sources, media houses and journalists varies from one actor to the other, the panellists interviewed for the Zambian Media Barometer explained how corruption takes place between journalists and editors and news sources, that “sometimes do not know that the writing of an article should not come at a cost”.
The report points to the fact that some newspapers like The Post follow the policy that contacts have to be made through the editor, as a means of preventing journalists from creating relationships with their sources that may compromise objectivity and integrity. Through an initiative started by MISA-Zambia, Catholic Community Radio stations have put in place policies on how to deal with gifts. In contrast, allegedly media like the Daily Mail require that a reporter receives an allowance before going out.
While several examples exist of journalists compromising their integrity, there are also many examples of journalists who stand up against and report incidences of attempted corruption. In 2006, a senior journalist at The Post, ousted MP Max Mukwakwa who had offered him an inducement with the intent of influencing the reporter’s coverage. The matter was reported to the ACC, and the MP was arrested for offering a bribe.