Namibian media outlets reacted with outrage to inquiries by the US embassy about their affiliations with specific western publications after the US State Department ordered the termination of certain media subscriptions. The request raised concerns surrounding editorial independence and potential interference in press freedom, prompting strong reactions from local editors who emphasized their commitment to unbiased reporting.
Namibian media outlets have expressed significant concern following inquiries from the US embassy regarding their affiliation with certain western publications whose subscriptions have been terminated by the US State Department. On February 11, the department mandated the cancellation of “non-mission critical” media subscriptions to reduce government spending under the Trump administration. This was followed by a directive on February 14 specifically targeting subscriptions to The Economist, The New York Times, Politico, Bloomberg News, the Associated Press, and Reuters, as reported by the Washington Post.
In an email on February 18, a staff member from the US embassy questioned The Namibian, an independent newspaper, about any potential associations with these specified publications and how they might align with the embassy’s goals. The email emphasized a directive that subscriptions should conform to the Department’s objectives of enhancing national security and prosperity while ensuring that the workforce remains safe and secure.
According to Tangeni Amupadhi, editor of The Namibian, the embassy has notably scaled back USAID spending and advertising contracts, previously serving as a sponsor for local publications. He expressed disbelief at the embassy’s approach, stating that it was unacceptable for foreign authorities to dictate media affiliations in Namibia.
Editors from various Namibian publications conveyed their distress at the US query, with Ester Mbathera, assistant editor of the Windhoek Observer, raising concerns about potential infringements on editorial independence and questioning whether the US intentions were to suppress democratic expression in Africa.
Frank Steffen, chair of the Editors’ Forum of Namibia, highlighted that Namibians value a free press and criticized American officials for attempting to interfere with media operations in Namibia, which primarily provides unbiased coverage of local and regional matters, with international issues receiving lesser emphasis.
The response from Namibian media outlets reflects a strong commitment to editorial independence in the face of external pressures. The US State Department’s inquiries and the cancellation of media subscriptions have raised questions about the implications for democracy and press freedom in Namibia. Journalists assert their dedication to unbiased reporting, resisting any attempts at coercion from foreign entities. Through these developments, Namibian editors have underscored the vital role of a free press in society, maintaining that they will not align with any agenda contrary to their principles.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
