SECTOR 4 The media practise high levels of professional standards. 4.1 The standard of reporting follows the basic principles of accuracy and fairness. Generally, media seem to do a good job regarding accuracy and fairness but many journalists seem not to verify their facts. It was noted that “there are a lot of one-source stories”. Conversely, many journalists engage in what panellists called “false equivalents” and “fake balance”. In a report about an alleged corruption case, for example, journalists try to be balanced and give the factual presentation in the same space as the person trying to defend him or herself by refuting the facts based on hearsay or opinion. They also sometimes fail to put facts in proper context and panellists felt that “They [journalists] are confusing the audience”. Overall, there are great differences in standards of reporting across the different media platforms and outlets. Radio The standard of reporting in community broadcasting – which often relies on volunteers – is especially low. “Those kids don’t know how to pick up on or contextualise issues”, was one comment. The quality of reporting of commercial radio stations is hard to assess as the presenters seem to have little freedom to pick up on important topics. NBC radio stations, especially the national English service, have high standards of reporting. Panellists observed that these journalists“know what they talking about and can direct conversation”. TV On One Africa Television, the standards are sometimes questionable. It seems that their presenters or interviewers stick to scripts rather than listening to the conversations, and might not be able to pick up on what has been said. The standard of reporting at NBC is much better in that regard. However, the NBC sometimes seems to support a certain agenda. For example, in news and weather reports, NBC keeps referring to Luderitz as !Nami#nus, which is legally inaccurate. The name change of the town is a disputed issue and a side has clearly been taken by NBC. Print Overall, in print media there is a basic standard of reporting, but a lack of critical thinking. Journalists seem to write a lot from press releases. “It’s like reactionary journalism” was one person’s comment. 54 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2015