OSHAKATI – ICT minister Peya Mushelenga said media should report balanced news, rather than only pointing out negative developments and selectively leaving out positive developments.
“We need to see a balanced approach in reporting,” he stated last week in Oshakati whilst launching the NBCPlus – a mobile phone application that allows users access to 11 radio stations and three TV stations.
The minister said the media also plays a vital role in educating the public.
“It delves deep into complex issues, offering analysis and context that enable citizens to comprehend the implications of government policies and decisions. Public media contributes to the promotion of democratic values, cultural diversity, and educational programmes that might be overlooked by private media driven primarily by
profit.
It is commendable now that this exercise will be unlimited, with subscribers learning from NBC across miles,” he added.
Peya stressed that NBC is a national broadcaster and for that reason, it holds a unique and invaluable place in the democratic society.
“As we celebrate the launch of NBCPlus today, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles that underpin our democracy. Let us continue to support and empower the media in its role as a guardian of truth, a force for accountability, and a champion of open discourse. Together, we can pave the way for a future where information flows freely, democracy thrives, and our society prospers,” he urged.
The minister added that the public media offers diverse and in-depth coverage that may not be commercially viable for private outlets.
“They have the capacity to delve into complex issues, cultural events, and regional concerns that might not receive adequate attention elsewhere. Public media institutions are funded by the government or through public contributions. While this funding model presents its challenges, it also affords them a degree of independence from commercial interests, allowing them to prioritise the public interest and deliver balanced reporting,” he said. Also speaking at the occasion, NBC director general Stanley Similo said the NBCPlus app promises to revolutionise the way viewers and listeners access their favourite radio and television stations.
“The app offers users a wide range of options, allowing them to choose from 11 radio stations spanning various genres, including news, music, sports, and cultural programmes. With a simple tap, listeners can tune in to their favourite shows, catch up on the latest news bulletins, or discover new music from local and international artists,” he further explained.
Similo said, now many Namibians will be able to access their national broadcaster programmes from different corners of the world.
In addition to the radio stations, the NBCPlus app features three TV stations, providing viewers with an array of entertainment, educational, and informative content, ensuring that users never miss a moment of their preferred TV programmes.
Similo has implored telecommunications company leaders to improve their broadband, which is central to the usage of the app.
“Broadband must become a reality for the whole of the country because our IP connectivity for streaming is highly worth embedded if it’s lagging behind; platforms like the NBCPlus will also not speak to that.”
Similo added that NBC continues to embrace digital advancements, with the NBCPlus app standing as testimony to the public broadcaster’s dedication to delivering quality content.