SECTOR 3

NBC TV has also made some strides in increasing the diversity of its programme
offerings. The broadcaster has broadened its general programming to include social
and psychological issues, and local business and economics. The TV programme
‘The Week That Was’ provides a review of the week’s events through the eyes
of a diverse panel of local journalists, while news from Al Jazeera has also been
introduced.
However, some panellists felt that the voices of minorities are still not heard.
NBC TV broadcasts mostly in English, which makes it inaccessible to many
people. NBC TV is on air 24 hours a day, but some of the indigenous language
radio stations end at 9pm or at 12 midnight, after which the station switches over
to National Radio, which broadcasts in English.

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:

3.4 (2005: 2.4; 2007: 3.3; 2009: 2.9)

3.10 The state/public broadcaster offers balanced
and fair information in news and current affairs,
reflecting the full spectrum of diverse views and
opinions.
The NBC’s policy guidelines require balance and objectivity in the corporation’s
news and programmes.
“It is true that, on the political level, the NBC has not done as much as it should
have to be balanced and objective. But there has been an improvement.” These
days you hear more diverse views on the NBC, although “not radically diverse”.
Radio has always been more open than television because of the anonymity it
provides, and this remains the case today.

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2011

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