SECTOR 3 3.8 The state/public broadcaster is technically accessible in the entire country. In theory, NBC radio reaches about 98 percent of the population. However, not every one of the corporation’s ten radio stations is included in this footprint as not every transmitter carries each and every station. The majority of these transmitters do not always work to full capacity owing to a lack of maintenance. The NBC only has four technicians servicing the country’s transmitter network. NBC National Radio is also available via satellite television station DSTV, as well as on the Internet. NBC TV reaches over 50 percent of the population, and the broadcaster estimates it will need an additional N$240 million (US$36m) to extend its coverage to the whole country. The government plans to fund this expansion in phases. 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: 3.1 (2005: 3.9; 2007: 3.9; 2009: 3.6) 3.9 The state/public broadcaster offers diverse programming formats for all interests. In the last two years, there has been improvement in the format, technical quality and diversity of the NBC’s programming. Much of this has been directed towards catering more for young people, who make up the majority of the population. There are current affairs programmes for young people on radio and television. There has also been a concerted effort to introduce programming for children on NBC radio. At the end of this year, producers are set to be trained in the production of children’s programmes. 48 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2011