SECTOR 1 Panellists who disagreed with the sentiments outlined above felt: • • • • • Namibian journalists are generally free to go about their work, as they are not restricted or put in jail. “It might not be perfect, but Namibia is number one in Africa in terms of media freedom rankings.” Aside from the continued ban on government advertising in The Namibian, government has created a relatively conducive environment for media and free expression. “The government also has a right to reply. We should allow it to do so. We have a lot of unethical journalists. We have a responsibility as journalists.” Added another panellist: “I am one of the most outspoken critics of government. I meet ministers and people in government, and they thank me for doing it. The public wonders if I’m not afraid, and I’m not because government officials encourage me to continue to do what I’m doing.” “I think of the cartoons in The Namibian. Some are very provocative, but nothing happens to the cartoonist. Nothing is done to stop these things being published. So I do think they (government) make an effort.” “Yes, there have been individual ministers who have spoken out, and the former president, too. But this is a democracy and you can expect people to speak out. Generally I think the government has been very pro-media.” Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 2.6 (2005: n/a; 2007: n/a; 2009: 2.1) 1.5 Print publications are not required to obtain permission to publish from state authorities. Registration of newspapers is a mere formality requiring a media house to register a publication with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), and to pay a nominal fee. In terms of the Publications Act, the minister has the power to approve or reject applications. Since Independence, there have been no cases of applications being turned down. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2011 17