SECTOR 2 2.1 A wide range of sources of information (print, broadcasting, internet, mobile phones) is accessible and affordable to citizens A wide range of information sources are available to the Namibian public across different platforms. However, access and affordability is debatable, given the high level of income and wealth inequality in Namibia which boosts a population of only 2.4 million people.3 The unemployment rate in the country stands at 34%4 while 66.5%5 of the employed population is in informal employment; the average salary is 6,759.006 NAD (500 USD) and a loaf of bread, on average, costs between 8 to 10 NAD (50 to 70 US cents). Print Dailies Namibia has five daily newspapers, namely: • The Namibian, which sells for 3 NAD (20 US cents) during the week and 5 NAD (35 US cents) on a Friday. • New Era, a state-owned publication, which sells for 4 NAD (28 US cents). • The Namibian Sun, which sells for 4 NAD (28 US cents) daily. • Die Republikein, an Afrikaans-language paper, which sells for 7 NAD (48 US cents). • Algemeine Zeitung, a German-language newspaper, which sells for 7 NAD (48 US cents). The Namibian Sun, Die Republikein and Algemeine Zeitung are published by Namibia Media Holdings (NMH). The different newspapers carry various thematic supplements on a regular basis. Most of the above newspapers are distributed countrywide in major towns. In rural or far-flung areas, newspapers are likely to arrive a day or two late. Weeklies Several weekly newspapers exist. The more prominent amongst these include: 3 4 5 6 • The Windhoek Observer, published every Friday by Paragon Investments and which sells for 5 NAD (35 US cents). • The Patriot, published every Friday by Oxygen Communications, launched in 2016 (after the last African Media Barometer) and sells for 5 NAD (35 US cents). • Confidenté, published every Thursday by the Max Media Group, sells for 5 NAD (35 US cents). Namibia Statistics Agency, 2018. Namibia Statistics Agency, 2017. Namibia Labour Force Survey 2016. Ibid. Ibid. 22 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2018