WINDHOEK — The Minister of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) Joël Kaapanda has reiterated his call on journalists to desist from writing defamatory, untruthful news stories and to report objectively.
Kaapanda made this call once more when he met the Media Ombudsman Clement Daniels yesterday to exchange views on how to promote media freedom, ethical reporting and adherence to the media code of conduct.
He said that it was especially crucial now that Namibia is preparing for national elections as the media would play an important role in informing the public about electoral matters.
“Elections (reporting) can be sensitive. We need to be circumspect so that there is no unnecessary stirring of emotions to create disturbance during elections,” he said, adding that he hoped the media would report objectively to ensure confrontations are avoided.
The minister reassured media houses that government would continue to maintain a conducive environment for journalists to operate unhindered and for freedom of expression and association to thrive.
Kaapanda hailed the outcome of the 2014 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, in which Namibia is ranked as the top African country for the second consecutive year when it comes to maintaining press freedom. He said that there have been no cases of journalists being incarcerated, which shows how democratic the country is.
On his part, Daniels said he fully agreed with the minister and added that journalists work in a commendable environment in Namibia.
He said the majority of media houses seem to be adhering to the media code of conduct, while a few have been taken to court for stories they published.
The media ombudsman said he has received on average 14 complaints per year centred around inaccurate, unfair reporting or where the complainant feels that their side of the story was not sufficiently presented.
However, Daniels said that most media houses cooperate and attend conciliation meetings where the parties sometimes decide on retraction of the story, apology or right of reply.
Daniels said that most complaints come from public officials, local and regional authority officials, Members of Parliament, those in custody, journalists themselves as well as the public.
He cautioned that media houses that are taken to court frequently could lose their credibility in the eyes of the public.
By Magreth Nunuhe