The Windhoek High Court has issued an order in the case involving the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (nbc) and the Editors' Forum of Namibia (EFN).

The court declared that decisions made by the Editors' Forum and its associated bodies are subject to public scrutiny and review.

The nbc accused the respondents of administrative violations, asserting that they continued to make significant decisions in a particular matter.

This legal dispute arose after concerned groups launched complaints with the Media Ombudsman, alleging bias and unethical service delivery by nbc.

Initially found guilty by the Media Ombudsman, the Editors' Forum, and the Complaints and Appeals Committee, the nbc, dissatisfied with the verdict, opted to challenge it in the High Court for review.

As part of the court's ruling, the Editor's Forum is required to furnish the relevant records of the proceedings slated for review by January 30, 2024, and not the nbc as was reported earlier in some of our bulletins.

The broadcaster has the opportunity to amend its application until February 14, 2024, following the High Court's communicated rules.

 Respondents are directed to submit their replying affidavit by February 26, 2024, and a joint case management report is expected from all parties by March 7, 2024.

The court, emphasising transparency and accountability in the media regulatory framework, ruled that respondents collectively bear the costs incurred by NBC, including legal representation expenses.

To facilitate the next steps in this legal saga, a Case Management Conference hearing is scheduled for March 12, 2024.

This decision marks a significant stride in defining the parameters of media oversight and accountability in Namibia, with implications for the industry's future practices.

The case was presided over by Justice Shafimana Ueitele.