In normal times, reporters at the Nigerian independent radio network Dandal Kura International earn the equivalent of around $100 (€92) a month.
Direct handouts not always welcome
In Niger, where the media has also faced a loss of advertising revenue, the chief editor of the private radio and TV outlet Saraounia is placing his hopes on the recent relaxation of the lockdown measures.
Djadi Mahamadou, a manager at the privately owned radio and TV network Anfani, wants Niger's government to step in and help struggling media outlets.
Dandal Kura Director Faruk Dalhatu also hopes for aid, but he has ruled out direct financial help from the Nigerian government.
"Some of Nigeria's private television and radio stations belong to politicians, so they are in the politicians' pockets, I am sorry to say," he told DW, promising that Dandal Kura will not sell out.
