THE Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) on Tuesday suspended a popular Otjiherero radio programme because it allegedly did not conform to the national broadcaster’s policies.
Yesterday, NBC acting Director General (DG) Mathew Gowaseb told The Namibian that the format of the program was not in line with the corporation’s programming guidelines for its language services.The programme ‘Keetute’ was aired on the Otjiherero station in the mornings between seven and eight. It had the format of an investigative journalism programme that tried to get to the bottom of listeners’ complaints.Gowaseb said the NBC’s language services do not have the mandate to do investigative journalism – that is the work of the news and current affairs department.The Namibian yesterday learned that the decision was sparked by complaints from prominent people accusing the programme of being ‘biased and anti-Swapo’.It is also believed that a meeting was held on Tuesday afternoon between Gowaseb, Otjiherero service staff members and two of the complainants.Gowaseb denied that such a meeting ever took place.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
