SECTOR 3 of the SWAPO newspaper Namibia Today, in April 2009. Panellists noted that these were clearly appointments based on “political affiliation”, while the Namibia Today editor faced “a conflict of interest”. 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: 1.2 (2005 = n/a; 2007 = n/a) 3.3 The body regulates broadcasting services and licenses in the public interest and ensures fairness and a diversity of views broadly representing society at large. Analysis: Some panellists felt that the NCC, through issuing broadcasting licenses, did attempt to represent society at large, while others thought that the regulator merely awarded available frequencies to any applicant with money and proven skills. Neither the current legislation governing regulation nor licensing criteria seem to be based on any kind of broadcasting policy. There has never been any kind of public debate on whether such a policy should provide for quotas for the different broadcasting sectors or whether the regulator should promote certain types of radio stations (e.g. news talk) over others (e.g. pure music stations). “You could “A board representing party play music 100 per cent of the time as no particular interests cannot act in the type of format, not even local content, is stipulated by the NCC.” public interest as they are representing only part of the country’s interests.” 44 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2009 Because the different sectors are not precisely defined in the legislation, applicants themselves can decide whether to seek a community or commercial licence.