Media body set up

THE Namibian media now have an independent self-regulating body to deal with media complaints, supported by the Editors’ Forum of Namibia.

On Friday, the office of the Media Ombudsman was launched and with it a Media Complaints Committee consisting of media practitioners and also members of the public. The role of the Complaints Committee will be to assist the Media Ombudsman in deciding on whether the media have acted outside the media code of ethics.Those who feel they have been unfairly treated by the media can now seek recourse without going to the expense of going to court.Media Ombudsman Clement Daniels said des-pite the challenges in which the media operate, media practitioners, like any other profession, are expected to perform their work in an ethical and professional manner.One of the major challenges the media face is to maintain a balance between serving the public interest and upholding the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, be they private or public office-bearers.He further said that for self-regulation to work, it is important that the media practitioners know what is expected of them, and that the public know their rights as citizens in relation to the media and how to make complaints. The event was also attended by the South African Media Ombudsman, Joe Thloloe.