The NMT Media Foundation, formerly known as the Namibia Media Trust, has addressed the recent suspension of an editor at the state broadcaster.
Anna Nicodemus, the political affairs and investigations editor at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), was suspended on Friday.
Her suspension follows an interview she did with the South African television news channel, Newzroom Africa, in which she addressed president-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s health.
According to an official statement from the NMT Media Foundation, Nicodemus’ suspension stems from comments she made about Nandi-Ndaitwah allegedly collapsing during her election campaign.
The foundation notes that these claims have since been discredited, with investigations revealing that the images shared on social media, purportedly illustrating the alleged incident, were actually AI-generated disinformation.
The NBC confirmed that Nicodemus has been suspended with full pay, while an investigation takes place.
The NBC emphasised that this action is not disciplinary in nature and assured that Nicodemus would be informed of the investigation’s findings and any potential disciplinary measures, per NBC’s internal regulations.
In response to this incident, the NMT Media Foundation highlighted the importance of journalistic integrity, calling on media professionals to maintain high standards of professionalism amid a surge of disinformation that has clouded the recent general elections.
The foundation urged all Namibian journalists to adhere to the established Code of Ethics and Conduct for Media, which aims to ensure the public has access to accurate and verified information for informed decision making.
“The proliferation of disinformation not only misleads the public but poses a threat to our democracy and the fundamental freedoms of the media,” noted the foundation.
NMT further called for a transparent and swift investigation process by the NBC and vowed to monitor the developments closely.
The foundation reaffirmed that a free, independent and professional media remains essential to a thriving democracy.
The foundation stressed the necessity of journalists being able to report without fear of reprisals, while protecting editorial independence to foster quality journalism that holds those in power accountable.
Moreover, NMT urged all stakeholders, including the NBC and state-owned media entities, to prioritise media independence and uphold transparency and accountability.
“Only through these efforts can we guarantee that Namibians can benefit from credible journalism that serves the public interest,” notes the statement.
The NMT Media Foundation further noted that Nicodemus’ suspension highlights the ongoing challenges faced by media professionals in Namibia, particularly in a landscape increasingly influenced by misinformation.
The foundation said as investigations unfold, the eyes of the public will remain fixed on NBC and its commitment to maintaining the integrity of journalism in the country.
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