Namibia in this sector could lead to ‘community’ radio stations pushing the government’s agenda and being controlled by the state. As the four existing community radio stations broadcast predominantly in English, they appear to be failing dismally when it comes to diversifying and empowering people to communicate in their own language. It was felt that the lack of motivation in Namibia to set up community radio stations might be a result of the NBC’s nine local language radio services fulfilling the role of community broadcasters. SCORES: Individual scores: 3, 3, 1, 2, 2, 4, 1, 2, 2, Average score: 2.2 2.6 (2005 = 2.3) The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference. ANALYSIS: Both New Era and the Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA) receive state funds and have boards appointed solely by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting. It is apparent that the state can and does interfere in the editorial independence of New Era. For example, D’aoud Vries, news editor of New Era, was suspended and subsequently fired after a politically inflammatory letter was published in the daily newspaper. “The government didn’t like what was published so he lost his job.” However, New Era has also demonstrated some surprising editorial independence over the past two years by publishing reports critical 18 African Media Barometer - Namibia 2007