SECTOR 3 3.5 The editorial independence of the state/public broadcaster from political influence is guaranteed by law and practised to ensure balanced and fair news and current affairs programmes The NBC Act does not speak to the editorial independence of the state broadcaster (which is defined as a parastatal) and in fact, gives a great deal of power to the Minister of ICT. Additionally, the appointment of the Director General (at least in the case of the current director general, Similo) had to be approved by the president. Panellists cited various examples that have made it clear that the broadcaster’s independence is certainly not guaranteed. ‘When the Land Conference took place, NBC workers were on strike. However, some coverage took place because the director general assembled a quick team from MICT and using the NBC platform, they did a broadcast of the conference.’ A panellist noted that this was a clear example that the NBC is not independent, as the state was able to make use of the broadcaster’s infrastructure despite the ongoing strike. ‘This is a very worrying sign because the independence of NBC and its board is out the window.’ Another example cited was that of Job Amupanda, the leading activist behind the Affirmative Repositioning movement. ‘Job Amupanda is often times scheduled to appear on TV programmes, just to find that his presence on the panel has been cancelled at the 11th hour.’ The Landless People's Movement has also complained that it has invited NBC to several of their events, but NBC has not attended. And in yet another example, a panellist highlighted how in the case of a controversial land deal with a Russian farmer and investor, ‘there was an instruction from the higher-ups on how it would be covered’. A panellist opined that perhaps NBC was suffering from an identity crisis that allows it to pander to government and the politics at play. ‘Is NBC a broadcaster? Are they just there to push a button? Are they a media organisation also?’ 42 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2018