Namibia 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. African Media Barometer - Namibia 2007 53