SECTOR 2 There are nine commercial radio stations in Namibia, with two new arrivals, Fresh FM and West Coast FM, in the past two years: · Namibia FM 99 · Omulunga Radio · Radio Kosmos · 100 FM Energy · Radio France International · Kudu FM · Radio Wave · Fresh FM · West Coast FM Commercial radio stations, all based in Windhoek except for West Coast FM, seem to be thriving in Namibia. None of the stations broadcast throughout the country, but mostly in large urban areas. The country has six community radio stations which are on air, with newcomers Live FM and Karas FM: · · · · · · Base FM (formerly Katutura Community Radio) Channel 7 (religious community) Live FM (Rehoboth) Radio Ecclesia (religious youth in Windhoek) Karas FM (Keetmanshoop) UNAM Radio (University of Namibia student community) At the time of the panel meeting in May 2009, Ohangwena Community Radio, based in northern Namibia, was off air. Most of the community radio stations appear to be battling constantly to source sufficient income through advertisements and sponsorships. Many of the community stations are “hanging in there”. An exception is Channel 7, which has 27 transmitters around the country and a large advertiser base as well as communities around the country that assist with purchasing and maintaining transmitters, and UNAM Radio, which is funded by the university. There are three television stations in Namibia: government-owned NBC television, One Africa Television (the country’s only commercial television station) and the religious “community” station Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). NBC TV can reach an estimated viewership of 66 per cent of the population through analogue aerials.7 NBC is also available through a local DSTV satellite subscription. A number of Namibian radio stations can be heard on the DSTV audio bouquet, although not NBC radio stations. Negotiations are underway with MultiChoice Namibia to put the NBC national English service on this bouquet. 7 Murangi, B. 28 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2009