Developments since 2005 and THE WAY FORWARD Positive developments in the media environment in the last two years • The perception, at least, that the political situation in Namibia has changed with President Pohamba assuming the presidency in 2005. This new political climate has been accompanied by a new political language, which continues to emphasise unity, development and reconciliation through positive language instead of the derogatory narrative under former president Nujoma. Pohamba has emphasised the importance of transparency and how the media can assist in this regard. • The establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission, as this emphasises the need for access to information legislation and protection of sources. • An increase in diversity of media products, partly related to improved technology and a positive economic situation in the country. • The strengthening of One Africa Television, especially the daily news bulletins which give local free-to-air viewers a choice. • Areas that were neglected by the media in the past feature much more regularly now in both print and electronic media. These include culture, poverty and the youth. • The role of the public in the ‘Chat Show’ debacle and how, by putting pressure on the NBC/government, the public managed to bring the show back on air, as before. • A marginal improvement in the salaries of journalists in the private media. • The increase in circulation of the daily newspapers, which goes against international trends. • The advent of Informanté, which has “stirred up the media pot” and created more competition in the sector. • Healthy competition in the media industry: notably if Radio 99 had not jumped in to launch its own chat show, following the curtailment of a similar show on NBC radio, the state broadcaster might not have resuscitated its original ‘Chat Show’. • Both MISA Namibia and the Editor’s Forum have become more inclusive and representative of the industry. • There is now greater access to radio chat shows through lower prices with the introduction of Telecom’s Switch and new cellphone service provider, Cell One, as well as the expansion of the cellphone network, particularly in rural areas. Negative developments in the media environment in the last two years • MISA Namibia, as a lobby group, has failed to link up with civil society to make freedom of expression and access to information national issues. • The perception of stagnation within MISA Namibia, evidenced by the lack of progress being made on establishing a media council. So This Is Democracy? 2007 -220- Media Institute of Southern Africa