Namibian media outlets have reacted with anger after the US embassy questioned their affiliations with Western publications whose subscriptions were canceled. The inquiries come as part of the Trump administration’s initiatives to reduce government costs and align media subscriptions with US objectives. Media leaders express concern over potential infringements on editorial independence and the implications for democracy in Africa.
Namibian media outlets have expressed their discontent following inquiries from the US embassy regarding their affiliations with Western media that have had subscriptions terminated by the State Department. The request follows a directive issued on February 11 by the Trump administration to cut non-essential media subscriptions as part of a broader cost-reduction initiative.
Among the publications subject to cancellation were notable entities such as The Economist, The New York Times, Politico, Bloomberg News, as well as major news agencies like the Associated Press and Reuters, as reported by the Washington Post. This move aligns with President Trump’s goal of diminishing government operations perceived as liberal.
The Namibian newspaper received an email from a US embassy representative inquiring if they or their services were connected to these Western publications, asking for details on any potential associations. The email indicated a directive for the embassy to disengage from subscriptions that did not align with the Department’s objectives focused on enhancing American security and welfare.
Tangeni Amupadhi, the editor of The Namibian, expressed incredulity at the US request, stating, “We thought it was just unbelievable that they can be so blatant in trying to tell us or ask us whether we aligned with their agenda.” He affirmed the commitment of his organization to maintaining independent journalism without governmental influence.
Ester Mbathera, assistant editor of the Windhoek Observer, raised concerns about the implications of such inquiries on editorial independence. She questioned whether the actions represented an attempt by the US embassy to undermine democratic practices in Africa.
Frank Steffen, chair of the Editors’ Forum of Namibia, noted that Namibians of diverse backgrounds support a free press. He expressed surprise regarding American interference with local media that is primarily dedicated to reporting local and regional matters fairly, with international issues taking a secondary role.
The inquiry from the US embassy has sparked significant concern among Namibian media representatives regarding a perceived infringement on editorial independence. Journalistic leaders unanimously assert the importance of a free press, emphasizing the necessity for independence from governmental biases. As the situation unfolds, the response from both local media outlets and the US embassy will further determine the implications for freedom of the press in Namibia.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
