2.2 Citizens’ access to domestic and international media sources is not restricted by state authorities. ANALYSIS: Access either to domestic or international media sources is not restricted. The ban on government departments buying the Namibian was not really regarded as a restriction because individual civil servants are still free to purchase the paper. Ironically, the sales figures of the Namibian went up after the ban, because while in the past one copy was bought for the entire ministry, now employees have to buy their own copies. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.3 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 4 4.6 Efforts are undertaken to increase the scope of circulation of the print media, particularly to rural communities. ANALYSIS: Generally, it is still very difficult to get newspapers in rural areas such as Kamanjab or Kavango. In some parts (e.g. in Opuwo), circulation has improved as publications like the Namibian, the monthly Big Issue and New Era have made efforts to expand their circulation to different parts of the country and thus increase their sales figures. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.4 5, 4, 4, 4, 2, 3, 5, 5 4.0 Broadcasting legislation has been passed and is implemented that provides for a conducive environment for public, commercial and community broadcasting. ANALYSIS: Legislation which established the Namibian Communications Commission (NCC) theoretically allows for the granting of licences to new broadcasting operators. In practice the NCC argues that there are no frequencies available any more, in particular in Windhoek. Although the commercial and community sectors have grown in the past ten years, there are some question marks over the way the NCC is operating. Katutura Community Radio, for example, originally had a good frequency, which was taken away by the NCC only to be given to a commercial radio station, Energy. The existing legislation regarding the NCC and its powers does not cover the public broadcaster and is very vague about community broadcasting. Commercial and community radio stations are not compelled to broadcast local news, with the result that they mostly play attractive music but do not provide Namibians with information about their country. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: So This Is Democracy? 2005 2, 2, 3, 4, 2, 2, 5, 3 2.9 -230- Media Institute of Southern Africa