SECTOR 3 to the NBC, while the staff of both broadcasters have participated in exchange programmes. In 2007, the NBC renewed its contract with RFI for five more years until 2012. Panellists felt that since the number of frequencies in the capital are reportedly so limited, preference should rather be given to Namibian stations. 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: 2.9 (2005 = n/a; 2007 = 2.7) 3.2 Broadcasting is regulated by an independent body adequately protected by law against interference whose board is appointed – in an open way – involving civil society and not dominated by any particular political party. Analysis: The broadcasting and telecommunication services regulator is the Namibian Communication Commission (NCC). However, once the draft Communications Bill is passed, possibly during 2009, this will pave the way for the NCC to be replaced by a new body, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN). The board of the NCC is appointed directly by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, and subsequently endorsed by Cabinet. There is no involvement of civil society in the process. Panellists noted that the board, which comprises the commissioners, is dominated by SWAPO and thus is not protected from political interference; it does not operate in a transparent manner and is not independent. The chairperson of the board is David Imbili, the former son-in-law of former Namibian President, Sam Nujoma. A recent appointment to the board that raised eyebrows was the editor AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2009 43