SECTOR 3 By implication, then, other office bearers with the state or functionaries of political parties, as well as persons with a financial interest in the broadcasting industry can be appointed. One member of the present board is a mayor and another a SWAPO councillor. 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: 1.8 (2005 = 1.9; 2007 = 1.6) 3.6 The editorial independence of the state/public broadcaster from political influence is guaranteed by law and practised. Analysis: The Namibian Broadcasting Act of 1991 does not guarantee or restrict the editorial independence of the NBC, and is in fact silent on this matter. The Act says, under section 3, that the objectives of the corporation are “(a) to inform and entertain the public of Namibia; (b) to contribute to the education and unity of the nation, and to peace in Namibia; (c) to provide and disseminate information relevant to the socio-economic development of Namibia; (d) to promote the use and understanding of the English language.” The Director General of the NBC is appointed by the board, with such appointment to be approved by cabinet, while the board in turn is appointed by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology. The minister has a very direct hand in the running of the broadcaster and political interference is practiced. A case in point is the suspension of the chat show on NBC’s National Radio (see indicator 1.2). In February 2009 members of the SWAPO Elders Council called for the show to be suspended because callers were criticising the party’s leaders AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2009 47