NBC ordered to apologise
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A Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) appeal against a media complaints hearing committee ruling - that it breached the code of media ethics and conduct - has been rejected.
According to complainants Rinaani Musutua and Rob Parker, NBC's ‘Talk of the Nation’ programme on 29 March 2021 reported one-sidedly about Canadian oil exploration company ReconAfrica. Only representatives from the ministries of mines and environment were present during the debate, and both openly supported drilling for oil in Namibia's Kavango regions.
NBC said one of the reasons they appealed the ruling was because the complaint was not submitted to the Media Ombudsman within the allowed 30 days. The code of conduct, however, does not specify whether these are calendar days or business days. If business days are counted, the application was submitted on time, and was accepted on this basis.
The committee ordered NBC to issue an official apology on or before 31 December, and to host another ‘Talk of the Nation’ programme where critics are given a chance to air their views on the oil exploration.
According to complainants Rinaani Musutua and Rob Parker, NBC's ‘Talk of the Nation’ programme on 29 March 2021 reported one-sidedly about Canadian oil exploration company ReconAfrica. Only representatives from the ministries of mines and environment were present during the debate, and both openly supported drilling for oil in Namibia's Kavango regions.
NBC said one of the reasons they appealed the ruling was because the complaint was not submitted to the Media Ombudsman within the allowed 30 days. The code of conduct, however, does not specify whether these are calendar days or business days. If business days are counted, the application was submitted on time, and was accepted on this basis.
The committee ordered NBC to issue an official apology on or before 31 December, and to host another ‘Talk of the Nation’ programme where critics are given a chance to air their views on the oil exploration.
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