SECTOR 3 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: 1.5 (2005: 1.9; 2007: 1.6; 2009: 1.8) 3.6 The editorial independence of the state/public broadcaster from political influence is guaranteed by law and practised. There is no law guaranteeing the editorial independence of the NBC. The state broadcaster has an editorial policy that was developed shortly after independence in 1990, as well as a programmes policy and an elections policy. The latter guides the corporation’s conduct during elections. “There are a number of instruments to ensure that we comply with ethical standards.” There is no direct influence from government over the NBC’s news and programming, but there is indirect influence. “We don’t see people coming in and telling us to do this and that. But you don’t know where the influence is coming from. Therefore you cannot rule out interference.” As a result, journalists practice self-censorship as they are scared of attracting controversy. Some panellists felt the recent change in the NBC’s directorgeneralship, which saw Matthew Gowaseb replaced by Albertus Aogamub, shows that there is direct political interference in the affairs of the corporation. Hence, there is no legal guarantee of the NBC’s editorial independence, “and the practice seems wobbly”. 46 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2011