THE WAY FORWARD 1. What were the developments in the media environment in the last three/four years? Panellists highlighted the following key developments: 2. 63 • New media houses have been established. - The Patriot, published by Oxygen Communications, was launched in March 2016. - Three new community radio stations were formed. • The impact of social media which has had both positive and negative implications. • The 2016 revision of the code of ethics was highlighted as a positive development. • Positive improvements at NBC, including: - Digitalisation (including getting NBC radio stations to broadcast online). - The development and launch of the NBC mobile application to access TV on phone and online. • Some newspapers have gone strictly online from print, such as the Villager and the Namibia Economist. What kind of activities are needed over the next three/four years? • The enactment of the Access to Information Act. • Increased research on Namibia’s media landscape, including research into salaries and ownership. • The establishment of a journalist’s union and professional associations. • TV should become more accommodating and accessible to persons with disabilities – mainstreaming and integration of people with disabilities. • Increased, balanced and sensitive coverage of minority groups. • Media law reform with respect to broadcasting laws – NBC and CRAN – to support the independence and public accountability of the NBC. • The activation of the Universal Service Fund to support community broadcasters. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2018