Participants in a panel discussion on Media, Law and Digital Responsibility at the ongoing International Festival on Freedom of Expression and the Press (FILEP) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, agreed that maintaining and upholding professionalism in journalism is critical.

As part of the festival, several panel discussions have been lined up, dealing with pertinent issues affecting the media landscape.

Among many others was the discussion on Media, Law and Digital Responsibility in which nbc's Chief News and Programming Officer, Menesia Muinjo, took part.

The Information and Communication Technology Minister, Dr Peya Mushelenga, stressed that the role of the media as the fourth pillar of democracy is indisputable while reminding members of the fourth estate about the importance of responsible journalism.

The minister and his executive team engaged the public and private media houses in the capital.

"You are not just news reporters, but you are custodians of truth, the public relies on your ability to present facts accurately, verify information rigorously, and maintain high ethical standards."

The 2022 African Media Barometer(AMB) Namibia Report has found that there is a level of solidarity in the news reported in the local media and that the national broadcaster, the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, is displaying a level of editorial independence.

However, increased instances of harassment of journalists and civil society by the state are a growing concern.

Namibia continues to uphold its reputation as the beacon of media freedom in Africa.