SECTOR 2 A new Competition Act, which became law in 2008, is intended to cover all types of business. Its objective is to prevent unfair competition, such as mergers intended to cut out opposition businesses. It is difficult for new media to enter the market and grow, “because often advertisers will only advertise with a magazine, for example, if the publisher has other titles under its belt. So it seems that the market encourages conglomerates and rewards them.” As a result many magazines have collapsed over the past few years. 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: 2.7 (2005 = 2.3; 2007 =2.1) 2.6 Government promotes a diverse media landscape with economically sustainable and independent media outlets. Analysis: Government does not actively promote a diverse media landscape with sustainable and independent media outlets, but neither does it place obstacles in its way. The only media sector that receives some direct state support is the film industry, through the Namibian Film Commission. The government does have a policy to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), but media companies do not seem to consider applying for this. Newspapers are not exempt from VAT and there is no reduction on the percentage payable by them. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2009 35