The Media Monitoring Report for the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections has revealed uneven coverage of political parties’ campaigns and activities by State-owned media houses.

The report – compiled by the Media Ombudsman – reveals that the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and New Era newspaper are favouring the current ruling party, Swapo.

It stated that the two are providing more coverage and airtime to the ruling party when juxtaposed with other political parties.

The study said both New Era and NBC have given over 50% coverage to Swapo, and less to other political parties.

“That is not right, and not healthy for democracy. Media ethics obligates all media houses to accord fair coverage, balance and accuracy, as well as independent editorials,” said Media Ombudsman John Nakuta.

Speaking at the launch of the report in Windhoek yesterday, he labelled the media as one of the most important tools during an election process in a democratic country.

It is Nakuta’s fervent position that media houses must report election news in a manner which will not only involve the electorate but also empower them, while equitably representing gender as well as the different political parties.

“The media monitoring report intends to analyse what issues are prioritised in media coverage, which political parties dominate, and whether there is bias in coverage, among other elements,” he disclosed.

Concurring with the report, Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) spokesperson Immanuel Nashinge said the coverage by State-owned media houses creates unfair conditions for opposition parties during election campaigns, and violates citizens’ right to information.

“Those are not State-owned media; those are public media houses funded by taxpayers in order to give citizens access to fair information, and it is important that all political events receive fair coverage,” he stressed.

Nashinge cautioned media houses to desist from one-sided and sensational reporting, and focus on the bread-and-butter issues as unpacked by different political parties.

Response 

Responding to the allegations, New Era news editor Edward Mumbuu said the assertions are incorrect, stating that the publication has so far provided fair coverage to all political parties.

“We respect the views and findings of what we hope are independent bodies such as the Media Ombudsman. Be that as it may, it is rather unfortunate, and we disagree with the specific findings and criticisms that have been apportioned to us,” he said.

Mumbuu added: “I can say without any fear of contradiction that we have given fair coverage to most, if not all, political parties, and little-known or unregistered independent candidates. We have gone above and beyond to ensure that every political actor receives fair coverage. Of course, we might not tick all the boxes to the satisfaction of all, but to suggest that we have been unfair towards this or the other is the furthest thing from the truth.”

He maintained that as a publicly-funded newspaper, the publication has a comprehensive election coverage plan for the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections, which seeks to provide a comprehensive look into the country’s political stages and all its actors.

Mumbuu further divulged that the coverage would include multimedia content for the public to have as much information as possible before going to the ballot box.

“This we will execute without fear, favour or prejudice,” he assured all political parties.

On his part, NBC’s chief commercial officer Nico Mwiya said they have not seen the report, nor are they aware of the methodology and approach used in the monitoring process. As such, he said the institution is unable to provide a comment on the findings.

“It is important to note that the NBC is not responsible for determining how and when events are organised or convened by any party in Namibia. Our role is to cover events and provide information to the public, based on the occurrences and activities as they unfold,” he noted.

He added, “We remain committed to fair and balanced coverage of all political parties during this election season, and will continue to ensure that our programming reflects this commitment.”

-lnashuuta@gmail.com