MEDIA FREEDOM IN NAMIBIA

The world celebrates Press Freedom Day on the 3 rd of May. Not many countries in the world and in Africa have reason to celebrate. But here in Namibia we have reason to praise God. On the Press Freedom Index for 2011/2012 Namibia have a positive placing, not only within the region and the continent, but also globally.

Namibia is placed 20th in the world, receiving an index score of -2. This score identifies Namibia as being on a par with Belgium in terms of freedom of the press. Namibia is even rated higher than countries like Japan, Australia, France and the United Kingdom.

• Let's praise God now for the Namibian constitution that protects our press freedom.
• Praise God for the government and the press that honors the constitution.
• Let's pray for all media in Namibia to report with wisdom, as they are actually very powerful to influence and shape the perception of the public.
• Pray that they will use their power for the common good in the people of Namibia.
• Trust that they will not fail to present the other side of the story.
• Ask for wisdom for the editors to use the very positive effect that media can have on people to evoke feelings of love, national pride and patriotism, especially in situations involving national difficulties or catastrophes.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3

Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus. Luke 1:3