SECTOR 4 “There is a degree of self-censorship. We know it is happening. But there’s never really a direct threat. It’s because we don’t want to cause trouble or upset anyone.” Some journalists challenge their editors on these issues, but are not victimised as a result. “I was booked to appear on (NBC TV’s) ‘Talk of the Nation’, but while I was on the way to the studio I got a call to say I was no longer needed. I went there all the same, and the journalist said she had been told ‘from above’ not to have me on the programme. It was during election time.” 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: 2.1 (2005: 2.5; 2007: 2.8; 2009: 2.9) 4.6 Owners of established mainstream private media do not interfere with editorial independence. Every news organisation has its own editorial line. “You know who is giving you money,” and this is particularly true when it comes to business reporting. An example was given of how a story critical of a businessperson was turned around because the business person in question funded the newspaper. “Money influences editorial decisions in commercial media, because commercial media is reliant on business people.” Another example provided was with regards to reporting on the ailing health of the former head of state – Sam Nujoma. It has been made categorically clear to media owners, editors and journalists that this subject is “off limits”. 60 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2011