SECTOR 1 Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator. 3 Country meets many aspects of indicator but progress may be too recent to judge. 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has been doing so over time. Average score: 2.1 (2005 = n/a; 2007 = n/a) 1.6 Entry into and practice of the journalistic profession is legally unrestricted. Analysis: Legally, the ability to work as a journalist in Namibia remains unrestricted. While journalists are encouraged to register with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, and are thus granted media cards, this is not enforced. Media cards are also rarely denied. “Media cards are only really necessary if you want to cover high-security state events, such as those involving the President.” Foreign journalists do need accreditation from the ministry before they can work in Namibia, as well as permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs. In a recent case, a journalist from the South African television programme Carte Blanche was held overnight by immigration officials for allegedly having worked in Namibia without the necessary work permit. It is a point of concern that the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, rather than an independent media organisation, should be issuing journalists with media cards. This makes the process open to possible abuse. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2009 17