The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation has appealed a ruling by the Media Complaints Committee, which found that the broadcaster failed to represent opposing views on its current affairs program, Talk of the Nation, in an episode featuring the activities of Canadian oil and gas company, Recon-Africa, in the Kavango basin.

The nbc, represented by Advocate Unanisa Hengari, called on the media appeals committee to strike the findings of the media complaints committee, as well as to dismiss the complaint of "no fair representation" from the Economic Social Justice Trust, Rinaani Musutua, and Rob Parker.

Musutua and Parker, of the Economic and Social Justice Trust, had laid complaints against the nbc stating that the national broadcaster failed to present opposing views on the Talk of the Nation programme, which aired in March 2021, breaching clause 22.1 of the code of ethics and conduct.

They further alleged that the programme was paid for by the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

The programme featured the activities of Canadian-based oil and gas company Recon-Africa in the Kavango basin.

The complainants charge that the report was one-sided.

The nbc has, however, appealed against the ruling on technical grounds, further contending that its submissions were not carefully considered by the complaints committee.

It has also rubbished the allegations of the programme having been paid for.

Additionally, the nbc's representative, Advocate Unanisa Hengari, in his submission at the appeal hearing, stated that the committee failed to take into account the undisputed evidence of the nbc and deliberately ignored what was recorded in its response.

Hengari further stated that the Media Ombudsman unnecessarily elevated a malicious complaint, which could have been avoided.

Rinaani Musutua and her colleague failed to present any evidence to prove that the program was indeed paid for, with Musutua arguing that the three viewers who called into the show did not make up a balanced representation of the views held on the matter.

Advocate Hengari has appealed the findings against the nbc be dismissed and the appeal upheld.

The office of the Ombudsman will provide the outcome of the appeal hearing within 14 business days.