The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, has underscored that the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation's (NBC) Newsroom integrity is protected by policy, regulation, and professional standards and that the corporation has maintained fairness, balance, and impartiality in its reporting.

Theofelus was responding to APP Leader Ambrosius Kumbwa, who questioned why the broadcaster was selective in covering political party events.

Theofelus stated that the broadcaster considers factors such as news value, national relevance, and most of all available resources when covering events but ensures that no political party is disadvantaged.

She added that the newsroom operates on a structured daily coverage roster; it needs stories and allocates crews and technical resources accordingly at all times.

“During election periods the NBC applies the provisions of the broadcasting code of 2009 as issued by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia and the candidates; it requires broadcasters to provide equitable coverage to all registered political parties, independent candidates, and associations.”

She reminded the MP that in line with this framework, the NBC organizes consultative meetings with all registered political parties prior to elections during which it presents its approach to free and equal airtime allocation.

This mechanism ensures that every political party, regardless of size or representation, is afforded equal opportunity to communicate its message to the public.

“Political parties may also purchase additional advertising slots, classical adverts, inserts, or live broadcasts through the NBC sales department. These arrangements are processed under standard commercial policies with costs borne by the respective political party.”

She further emphasized that the NBC has been recognized regionally and internationally as the leading public broadcaster in Southern Africa in providing structured free and equitable airtime during elections.