a self-regulatory framework for the media in Namibia which includes a Media Ombudsman whose task it is to deal with complaints by the public about media reporting. [71] The second defendant described the ethos of the newspaper as being one in which much emphasis is placed on a code of journalistic ethics. She described the newspaper as a one (as opposed to a tabloid newspaper) that “serious” adheres very stringently to the Namibian Constitution and that strives to find a balance between the rights to freedom of speech and the press and the rights of the individual to privacy. During her time as editor the newspaper was oriented toward upholding human rights; speaking out on behalf of the public where it was in the public interest; being a watchdog against corruption; and striving in its reporting to be fair and balanced at all times. She described the need to report the truth, near as we can get to it,” as critical”. “as “absolutely [72] The second defendant further elaborated by stating that the newspaper involved itself in investigative journalism as part of its role as a watchdog over public resources and of power by, inter alia, government and parastatals. She emphasized the critical part played by the media in a developing democracy such as Namibia where there is still a large number of people unsure about their rights and responsibilities under the Constitution and where a vibrant civil society is lacking. [73] She set out the general manner in which the newspaper’s team of journalists and editorial staff would work and interact on the various stories and articles considered for publication. She stated that fair and balanced reporting requires, inter alia, that source stories” are discouraged, but that it is generally “single required of the reporter to approach multiple sources to ensure the accuracy of the story. Furthermore, in the case of an investigative story, the person who is at the centre of the story and specifically if the story is negative about this person, should be approached for comment and further input. She emphasized the importance that a reporter should do all the groundwork to establish the truth as far as possible before that person is confronted.
a self-regulatory framework for the media in Namibia which includes a Media Ombudsman whose task it is to deal with complaints by the public about media reporting. [71] The second defendant described the ethos of the newspaper as being one in which much emphasis is placed on a code of journalistic ethics. She described the newspaper as a “serious” one (as opposed to a tabloid newspaper) that adheres very stringently to the Namibian Constitution and that strives to find a balance between the rights to freedom of speech and the press and the rights of the individual to privacy. During her time as editor the newspaper was oriented toward upholding human rights; speaking out on behalf of the public where it was in the public interest; being a watchdog against corruption; and striving in its reporting to be fair and balanced at all times. She described the need to report the truth, “as near as we can get to it,” as “absolutely critical”. [72] The second defendant further elaborated by stating that the newspaper involved itself in investigative journalism as part of its role as a watchdog over public resources and of power by, inter alia, government and parastatals. She emphasized the critical part played by the media in a developing democracy such as Namibia where there is still a large number of people unsure about their rights and responsibilities under the Constitution and where a vibrant civil society is lacking. [73] She set out the general manner in which the newspaper’s team of journalists and editorial staff would work and interact on the various stories and articles considered for publication. She stated that fair and balanced reporting requires, inter alia, that “single source stories” are discouraged, but that it is generally required of the reporter to approach multiple sources to ensure the accuracy of the story. Furthermore, in the case of an investigative story, the person who is at the centre of the story and specifically if the story is negative about this person, should be approached for comment and further input. She emphasized the importance that a reporter should do all the groundwork to establish the truth as far as possible before that person is confronted.
Nyandoro%20v%20Free%20Press%20of%20Namibia%20(Pty)%20Ltd%20(I%202572-2010)%20%5B2015%5D%20NAHCMD%20116%20(11%20August%202015).docx