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: 4.5 (2005: 2.8; 2007: 3.3; 2009: 2.4) 3.12 Community broadcasting enjoys special promotion given its potential to broaden access by communities to the airwaves. The panellists had mixed feelings about this indicator. On the one hand, some argued that the NBC radio language services provide a community service to their respective ethnic communities. But on the other hand, other panellists pointed out that independent, “third tier” community broadcasting is still under-developed. Community broadcasters pay lower fees and government has a small fund (currently N$10 000 a year – US$1450) to support community stations. However, government does not actively promote community broadcasting. “There is no interest. The same goes for development organisations.” To date, the communications regulator has not provided a clear definition of community broadcasting. As such, there has been little regulation aimed at promoting the sector. In May 2011, CRAN issued regulations defining community broadcasting as follows: “Community broadcasting service” means a broadcasting service that serves a particular community (either geographic or a group of persons having a common interest) and is wholly-owned by a non-profit association registered in terms of section 21 of the Companies Act, 2004 (Act No. 28 of 2004) or, if it is not registered, is established in terms of a constitution (or other agreement) containing provisions that comply with the effect of the provisions of section 21 of the Companies Act, 2004 (Act No. 28 of 2004)4. 4 Government Gazette 18 May 2011, No. 4714: ‘Regulations Setting Out Broadcasting and Telecommunications Service License Categories’. Sourced from www.cran.na/downloads/regulations/4714Gen%20N124.pdf AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2011 51