1DPLELD ,QWURGXFWLRQ The period under review exhibited both growth and decline for Namibian media. It is unfortunate that the decline was most prominent in areas that are pivotal for a robust, independent and pluralistic media environment to exist. Since independence in 1990, Namibia consistently ranked as one of the best performing countries in terms of enjoying the basic conditions that allow for the media to practice its craft without much interference from external forces. We prided ourselves as the birth country of the Windhoek Declaration, a historic statement of free press principles developed and adopted by African newspaper journalists on 03 May 1991. The declaration highlights free press as essential to democracy and as a fundamental human right. But all the comfort, freedom and international acclaim resulted in us forgetting that what we have is precious, and that it needs to be cherished, vigorously protected and strengthened. We instead gradually neglected our commitment to quality and ethical journalism. We did not set the agenda, nor seriously lobbied for the repeal of laws that restrict freedom of expression. We failed to create an understanding on 6R7KLVLV'HPRFUDF\" how important we are for the building of a vibrant, inclusive and progressive democracy. And neither did we call for the enactment of laws that would advance transparency and, as a consequence, critical analysis of the social, economic and political dynamics that shape our society. 0HGLDRZQHUVKLSDQG$JHQGD VHWWLQJ After Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Joel Kaapanda, presented his annual budget in the National Assembly in March 2012, it was clear that central government was determined to be more involved in setting the editorial agenda for stateowned media. The New Era newspaper and Namibian Broadcasting Corporation were heavily criticized for not sufficiently covering government’s programmes and policies. This was despite the ruling Swapo Party and its executive office bearers continuing to enjoy extensive coverage on news and current affairs programmes. It was also questioned whether there is a need for New Era when it is more critical of government than commercial