SECTOR 4 “...Journalists need to work harder to create a society that is more inclusive.” New Era also has a monthly indigenous supplement covering most languages spoken in the country. Because the new code of media ethics developed by the NEF includes elements relating to diversity, panellists anticipated that once this was implemented, possibly later in 2009, linguistic diversity in the media might increase in the future. Many marginalised groups, such as those with disabilities or HIV and AIDS, are frequently reported on in language indicative of negative bias and stereotyping. “The choice of language often leaves such groups feeling insulted and depressed. Journalists need to work harder to create a society that is more inclusive.” 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: 3.3 (2005 = n/a; 2007 = n/a) 4.5 Equal opportunities regardless of race, social group, gender/sex, religion, disabilities and age are promoted in media houses. Analysis: Women are not equally or adequately represented in the media, professionally, although equal opportunities in terms of race, social group and gender have been created in different measure by the various media houses. At the Republikein, for example, all staff seem to be Afrikaner (white Afrikaans-speaking Namibians), while those in the top leadership positions (CEO, editor and news editor) at New Era are all Herero men, with the rest of the newsroom staff coming from diverse backgrounds with a strong bias towards women. 62 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2009