SECTOR 2 The media landscape, including new media, is characterised by diversity, independence and sustainability. 2.1 A wide range of sources of information (print, broadcasting, internet) is available and affordable to citizens. Overall, Namibia has a broad cross-section of media, although community broadcasting is under-developed, given its potential for accessibility and affordability. NBC radio is listened to by 90 percent of the population, but is not considered independent. Print media is not accessed by the vast majority of the population, but rather by pockets of people who choose particular publications according to their particular interests. Print The print media industry in Namibia is fairly large given Namibia’s small population and advertising base. However, all the print media organizations are located in urban centres. There are five daily newspapers, of which four are privately owned - Allgemeine Zeitung, The Namibian, Die Republikein and The Sun. The New Era is state owned. There are six weekly newspapers. Five of these are private - The Economist, Informanté, Namib Times, Windhoek Observer and Namibia Today which is published by the ruling Swapo party. The Southern Times is owned jointly by the Namibian and Zimbabwean government. There are a variety of local magazines including Insight. Caprivi Vision, Flamingo, Namibia Sport. Prime Focus, and Sister Namibia which are published by various organizations; as well as Namibia Review which is published by the state. A number of newsletters are also published, particularly by civil society organizations. Most print media are distributed only in urban areas, and often arrive a day-orso late in more far-flung towns, which limits their accessibility. Panellists were divided as to whether or not the N$2 to 3 (US$0.29 - 0.44) cover charge for daily newspapers was affordable when compared to a loaf of bread (N$8/US$1.20) and cell phone airtime (minimum re-charge voucher N$10/US$1.45). “A person would rather spend N$10 to buy airtime, or listen to commercial radio, rather than consume media that takes up issues more. People choose not to read or listen to information.” Low levels of literacy also limit citizens’ access to print media. 28 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2011