Justicia Shipena
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has called for urgent reforms to strengthen media sustainability and press freedom in Namibia.
IPPR warned that financial pressure and digital disruption are weakening the media sector.
The recommendations were released on 3 May to mark World Press Freedom Day.
IPPR’s executive director Graham Hopwood said investigative journalism is under strain.
“Investigative and analytical journalism is increasingly under threat due to shrinking revenues and newsroom capacity,” he said.
He called for funding to support quality reporting.
“Namibia should explore funding models such as grants, public interest funds, or tax incentives to sustain high-quality reporting that holds power to account,” he said.
Hopwood also pointed to concerns about advertising practices and said government and state-owned enterprises must act.
“Government and state-owned enterprises should adopt transparent and equitable advertising policies that do not distort the market or disadvantage independent media,” he said.
He said limited advertising revenue and a fragmented market are weakening media sustainability.
“Fair allocation of public advertising is essential for pluralism,” he said.
On the shift to digital, Hopwood said media houses are struggling to adapt.
“Media houses are struggling to monetise online content while losing traditional revenue streams to global tech platforms,” he said.
He said policies must help local media benefit from digital advertising.
“Policy discussions should focus on how local media can capture more value from digital advertising and adapt business models to the digital environment,” he said.
Hopwood also raised concerns about access to information.
“High data costs and uneven internet access limit citizens’ ability to engage with diverse media sources,” he said.
He said improving access is important for press freedom.
“Reducing barriers to digital access is key to ensuring that the shift online strengthens, rather than weakens, press freedom,” he said.
He said working conditions for journalists are also a concern.
“Salary cuts, retrenchments and precarious work have weakened the profession and affected reporting quality,” Hopwood said.
He warned about the loss of experienced journalists.
“The loss of skilled journalists and juniorisation of newsrooms is a growing concern affecting quality,” he said.
Hopwood said journalism must be protected.
“Quality journalism is essential for democracy but is under threat from market failure and declining revenues,” he said.
He warned that financial pressure can affect independence.
“Financial strain is increasing the risk that media avoid critical reporting on major advertisers or political actors,” he said.
He also raised concern about disinformation.
“Disinformation is spreading and undermining trust in media,” he said.
He called for more investment in fact-checking.
He also urged full implementation of transparency laws.
“Namibia’s Access to Information Act must be fully implemented to ensure journalists and the public can obtain timely, reliable information from public institutions,” he said.
World Press Freedom Day is marked on 3 May each year. It was proclaimed by the United Nations in 1993 following the Windhoek Declaration of 1991, which set principles for a free and independent press.
The day highlights the importance of press freedom, the safety of journalists and access to information.
Globally, press freedom is under pressure.
UNESCO’s World Trends Report for 2022 to 2025 shows a decline in press freedom and growing threats from misinformation, economic pressure and digital challenges.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia remains committed to press freedom.
Namibia ranks 23rd worldwide and 2nd on the African continent when it comes to press freedom.
She said this reflects the country’s commitment to democracy.
“This is not merely a measure of performance but a reflection of our national character and our enduring commitment to democratic values, transparency, and the rule of law. This standing carries with it a responsibility. It calls on all of us, government, media, and citizens alike, to safeguard and strengthen this hard-earned reputation,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She warned that global challenges such as misinformation, disinformation and increasing pressure on media institutions are intensifying, making the role of a free and responsible press more critical in informing the public, preserving truth, promoting dialogue and maintaining trust in society.
Nandi-Ndaitwah added that press freedom in Namibia is protected under the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, access to information and the right of the media to operate without undue interference.
“This achievement reflects our collective commitment to upholding the values enshrined in our Constitution, including freedom of expression, access to information, and the right of the media to operate without undue interference,” she said.
She said the media plays a key role in accountability.
“A vibrant and professional media plays a critical role in strengthening democracy, promoting transparency, and holding institutions accountable,” she said.
She praised journalists.
“I commend all journalists, editors and media practitioners for their dedication, courage, and integrity in informing the nation,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also called for responsible reporting. She said press freedom is central to development.
“I further encourage continued adherence to ethical journalism, accuracy, and fairness in reporting, especially in an evolving digital landscape. Press freedom is not merely a media issue but a democratic imperative. It is central to the protection of human rights, the advancement of development, and the preservation of peace and security in our societies,” she said.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights also called on governments to protect press freedom and access to information.
Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo said the Windhoek Declaration remains important.
“The establishment, maintenance and fostering of an independent, pluralistic and free press are essential to the development and maintenance of democracy in a nation and for economic development,” she said.
Topsy-Sonoo warned that global challenges such as misinformation, disinformation and increasing pressure on media institutions are intensifying, making the role of a free and responsible press more critical in informing the public, preserving truth, promoting dialogue and maintaining trust in society.
Topsy-Sonoo added that press freedom in Namibia is protected under the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, access to information and the right of the media to operate without undue interference.
“The global Freedom of Expression Index has dropped by 10% since 2012,” she said.
Topsy-Sonoo said journalists face pressure from laws, arrests and online threats.
“States shall not engage in or condone any disruption of access to the internet and other digital technologies for segments of the public or an entire population,” she said.
Topsy-Sonoo said disruptions affect news reporting and public access to information.
“Internet disruptions not only affect journalists, media workers and media operations from providing verified information and news; they also severely impact the provision of public information to the people,” she said.
Topsy-Sonoo called for protection of journalists and an end to persecution.
“Persecutions and prosecution of people who are criticising governments should cease.”
