Namibia
SCORES:
Individual scores:

3, 3, 4, 3, 2, 4, 4, 3, 4

Average score:

3.3

3.11

(2005 = 2.4)

The public broadcaster offers balanced and fair
information reflecting the full spectrum of diverse views
and opinions.

ANALYSIS:
It was noted that NBC coverage of opposition politics has become
fairer under the Pohamba regime, with parties like the Congress of
Democrats being given more space. Under Nujoma, the language
used on the NBC was exclusive: “my government” and “my party”.
Over the last two years this has changed to the more inclusive “our
government”, an important development showing that the public
broadcaster is becoming more aware of the realities and the language suitable for a multi-party government governing with the
consent of the minority.
It was noted that the ‘Good Morning Namibia’ programme had improved to provide a variety of views.
Panelists felt that NBC journalists generally failed to provide sufficiently balanced views in their stories. “They just report and don’t
bother to source comment from the other side.”
Generally, there is very little commentary on the NBC and little
attempt to frame stories. Perhaps this is a result of a lack of skills
or self-censorship. “This is worrying because it is not good journalism.”
Production quality at the NBC was described as mediocre, and the
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African Media Barometer - Namibia 2007

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