The role of the print media in influencing public political climate in the Namibian society

Abstract

Executive summary provided by author:

The results also show the Namibian media are vibrant and were open in advancing issues. Notwithstanding, the study recognized major findings in support of the literature reviewed that the media sometimes set the political agenda when no one seems to set one. There was also evidence that in trying to be neutral, the media intentional or/and unintentional overlook certain issues while they focus attention on others because they also turn to campaign for their sales and win new readership

The much talked about election violence seemed very minimal in relation to the widely published predictions that elections might be marred by violence

The calmnes reported later might have been brought about by the 'warnings' written in the media editorials, columns, opinion pieces and letters from the readers. But it could also be that the electorate themselves were tolerant to such an extent that they restrained themselves from... [stirring] up violence

The overwhelming reports in The Namibian revealed more intimidation for the CoD. SW APO Party received more stories in The Namibia in October 1999 but in November there was only one story. This drop in coverage for SW APO shifted to CoD that progressed steadily, beating its main opponent with fifty-four to thirty-six stories and items covered in The Namibian for the whole period of three months

The New Era carried softer stories in comparison with The Namibian's strong and vibrant election stories