SECTOR 2 2.4 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference. The law requires the government-owned daily New Era newspaper to publish “objective and factual information and place emphasis on community issues and government related issues that might affect the community”. However, the information minister appoints the boards of this and other state-owned media entities. The boards in turn appoint editors, which means protection is limited. “You don’t get the same protection as you would from an independent board.” Nonetheless, New Era shows some degree of impartiality in its coverage, which has been criticised by some government ministers in the past. “I worked for New Era for three years and there was no interference. I think we have a misconception that once you have a state-owned publication, you assume there is political interference. But my experience is that there is no interference.” However, some panellists argued that political factions use the state-owned media to attack other factions within government and the ruling party. “That is why you see articles that seem to be critical.” Others felt journalists working for state-owned media apply self-censorship. For example, in 2006 a senior staff member at New Era was fired because he published a letter about tribal tensions within the politically powerful Ovambo community. “This prompted other journalists to wonder: ‘Am I next?’ Therefore, it (censorship and self-censorship) depends on the sensitivity of the issue.” 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 (2005:1.8; 2007:2.7; 2009:2.3) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2011 33