The importance of broadcasting of programmes in local languages on National Television (NBC)

Abstract

Abstract provided by author: This study was a mixed method research which utilized both quantitative and qualitative research methods and was used to find out why the National Broadcaster NBC (TV) has a low number of programmes in local languages as part of their daily programme lineup and how such a situation affects the society and traditional culture. The problem necessitating this research is the observation that majority of the Namibians would rather watch other channels e.g. DSTV or listen to radio stations in their mother tongue than watch NBC TV which has majority of its programmes in English. A questionnaire with seven questions and interviews where used to collect the data and responses from the picked sample.The findings were that a larger part of the respondents think that the language being used in the media is diminishing the value and importance of traditional culture in Namibia and NBC TV should refrain from westernizing their daily programmes lineups. The younger population does not really have an interest in how NBC covers their mother tongues. The older respondents appreciate the news and current affairs that are given in their local languages but prefer to use the NBC local language radio station instead.