UNFAIR COVERAGE: PDM leader McHenry Venaani has accused the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) of being biased. Photo contributed
UNFAIR COVERAGE: PDM leader McHenry Venaani has accused the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) of being biased. Photo contributed

Venaani blasts NBC for alleged Swapo bias

Threatens to fire NBC bosses if elected as president
PDM leader McHenry Venaani has criticised the media's absence from PDM rallies and accused NBC of downplaying opposition events.
Nikanor Nangolo
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani has accused the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) of being biased, claiming the public broadcaster serves only the interests of Swapo.

Venaani vowed to fire NBC executives if he becomes president, accusing them of failing in their duty to provide fair and balanced reporting.

Venaani made these remarks recently during PDM’s mega rally at Dr Romanus Kampungu Stadium in Rundu.

“Members of the press, especially NBC, seem to favour certain coverage too much. You’re attending rallies and mini-rallies for Tom Alweendo, but where is the support for others?” Venaani asked.

He alleged that the public broadcaster prioritises covering Swapo leaders, even for smaller gatherings. “It appears there’s interest only in these so-called Swapo mini-ministers. Forty people gather at events, yet somehow that gets coverage. Meanwhile, an opposition leader and presidential candidate receive little attention."

Fairness

Venaani criticised the media’s absence from PDM rallies and accused NBC of downplaying opposition events.

“When it comes to PDM rallies, you don’t even show up. The media is not fair. If you do decide to attend, you’ll likely spin it to make it seem insignificant. Don’t play politics with the news; let us handle the politics. Your role is to report the news fairly and objectively,” he said.

Directing his comments at NBC’s editorial team, Venaani expressed frustration with their alleged bias. “When I speak to you, I’m not just addressing you as journalists. I’m speaking directly to the editor at NBC and her colleague. I’m calling you out. Report the news fairly. I am not afraid to say this,” he said.

He accused NBC of undermining democracy by favouring Swapo. “The two of you are impartial only to serve Swapo’s interests. If I become president, I will fire you because you’re failing in your duty. You prioritise mini-rallies with ministers speaking to 20 people under a tree while ignoring a leading presidential candidate addressing significant gatherings across the country.”

Venaani stressed: "Maintain your integrity as journalists and let the public judge fairly. Without fear or favour."

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-21

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