There are no tax incentives from the state to promote black economic empowerment in this sector. SCORES: Individual scores: 4, 1, 2, 4, 2, 3, 1, 2, 1 Average score: 2.2 (2005 = 1.8) 2.10 Private media outlets operate as efficient and professional businesses. ANALYSIS: Most private media outlets operate efficiently and professionally, and do fairly well in business terms. The Namibian’s increased circulation over the past two years is indicative that business is booming. Although the market is very small, especially in terms of German speakers, for example, the German newspaper Allgemeine Zeitung can still survive because this sector has a large amount of spending power. Because this newspaper is part of the DMH stable, it may also benefit from cross-subsidisation within the group. The Namibian publishes stories in English and Oshiwambo, while Die Republikein has increased its potential markets by publishing stories in Afrikaans, English and Oshiwambo. SCORES: Individual scores: 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 4, 4, 4, 4 Average score: 4.1 (2005 = 4.3) 2.11 State print media are not subsidised with taxpayers’ money. ANALYSIS: New Era is the only state-funded newspaper and, although it receives income from advertisements, the bulk of its funding comes from taxpayers’ money. SCORES: Individual scores: 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 Average score: 1.1 (2005 = 2.0) 2.12 Government does not use its power over the placement of advertisement as a means to interfere with media content. ANALYSIS: The government ban on The Namibian newspaper, which has been in place since 2001 and prohibits government bodies from purchasing the paper or from advertising in it, is still in place. It can be seen to limit democracy and the access of The Namibian readers to certain So This Is Democracy? 2007 -204- Media Institute of Southern Africa