SECTOR 4 SMS pages in The Namibian and responding to the suspension of the NBC chat show. o Civil society can communicate with the media (print and radio) easily with SMSes. Previously people could only do so via letters, faxes or voice calls. o Many of the opposition political parties that will contest the November 2009 elections have manifestos stating that the government ban on The Namibian should be rescinded. Negative developments in the media environment in the last two years: o The lack of tolerance regarding opposition views/parties. This manifests in hate speech, stigmatisation and inciteful rhetoric. o The apparent increase in editorial interference at state media houses, which gets ‘hotter’ as the November 2009 elections near. o The increase in hostility on the part of the government and ruling party towards the media, evident in attacks on freedom of expression (i.e. suspending the NBC chat show). This is probably also related to the approaching election. o The interception clause in the draft Communications Bill. o The increase in unprofessional reporting. o The removal of the NBC board chairperson and the dismissal of the Director General o The two political appointments at the NCC and the inclusion in the decision-making structures of New Era and now in the NBC of a leading SWAPO member. Main drivers/actors for positive change: o The youth in general. o President Pohamba’s tolerant and open-minded approach, which led to an increasing feeling of freedom within society. Unfortunately, due to divisions in SWAPO, this is now being reversed. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2009 71