WINDHOEK – New Era Publication Corporation (NEPC) reached yet another milestone yesterday when it launched its complete digital online version of the New Era newspaper, putting it at the forefront of the latest technological advances in electronic newspaper production. Subscribing to the e-paper will also grant subscribers access to the digital archive dating back to the first copy of New Era more than 20 years ago.
Speaking at the launch of the e-New Era, Minister of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) Joel Kaapanda, whose speech was read by his special advisor, Mvula ya Nangolo, said the e-paper launch was an indication of an evolving institution in an era of new technological evolution. “There exists an urgent need to constantly reposition Namibia to come on par and competitively compete with the ever-changing global communication highway demands,” the minister said in the statement.
Kaapanda said he was pleased to note that NEPC was staying abreast of demands of high-tech state-of-the-art technological innovations.
He commended NEPC for complementing the government’s vision of accelerating the use and development of information communication technologies with the recent launch of the applications for smartphone users and tablets.
Kaapanda said it was encouraging to see how institutions like the NEPC were embracing technological and development advantages presented through government initiatives, such as the underseas telecoms fibre optic cable and the West African Cable System (WACS), in which Namibia acquired shares to allow high bandwidth connectivity.
“The e-paper is yet another demonstration of the footprint extension of the New Era brand, which will not only be accessible to Namibians but available globally,” he stressed, adding that the digital paper would spread Namibia’s developmental agenda to the rest of the world which would hopefully bring more investment to the country.
Kaapanda further said the convergence of technologies has opened up new marketing opportunities with potential advertisement revenues from mobile applications, tablets and social networks in addition to the existing internet and newspaper website advertisement revenues.
“Allow me to commend the New Era Publication Corporation, under the able and visionary leadership of its Board of Directors, the chief executive officer and his team for the commitment and resolve to transform this corporation into the new digital world,” he said.
The electronic paper is often considered to be more comfortable to read than the conventional newspaper due to the stable image, mobility, interactivity and ability to receive new editions instantly, without the need to print copies and the convenience and comfort to read while lying in bed, dining in a restaurant or sitting in a park, among others.
Subscription fee is N$120 per month or US$12 and the e-New Era can be accessed on http://www.newera.com.na/ or https://e.newera.com.na
By Magreth Nunuhe