Matty, Fidel2022-10-042022-10-042021-07Matty, F. (2021). Examining stakeholders’ views on the implications of the delayed enactment of the access to information bill on media reporting in Namibia [Master’s thesis, Namibia University of Science and Technology].http://ir.nust.na:8080/jspui/handle/10628/916The purpose of the study was to examine stakeholders’ views particularly the views of print media members on the implications of the delayed enactment of the Access to Information Bill on media reporting in Namibia. The main objective of the study was, to examine stakeholders’ views on the implications of the delayed enactment of the Access to Information Bill on media reporting in Namibia. The Social Responsibility theory was underpinned for this study to provide clarity on media mode of operandi from various scholars’ perspective. The methodology used to collect data was qualitative, with a targeted population of at least 100 three print media houses journalists and editors. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to select 7 journalists and one editor from 3 different print media (The Nambian, Namibian Sun and New Era). Data was collected by interviewing the sampled participants. The main findings of the study indicated that the Access to Information Bill has an impact on access and availability of information to journalists. It was found that several provisions within the Act on restrictions to information classified by the state contradict the ratifications to which Namibia is a signatory and also the right of every Namibian in the Constitution whereby Article 21 (1990) of the Namibian Constitution, states that “All persons shall have the right to; freedom of speech and expression, which shall include freedom of the press and other media.” Although the state within the same constitution is provided reasonable grounds for national security not to disclose classified information, participants are of the view that the state deliberately freezes information that perhaps they think will damage the reputations of the institutions if they are to be released to the media. Journalists sometimes work in environments where they are treated unfairly in particular the private media versus the state media given preferential treatment while the private media is denied access to the same venue where a press conference is taking place. One of the findings of the study was that there is no media freedom in Namibia, due to the absence of laws that promote freedom and access at the same time. Another finding point to the state which has a moral obligation to make sure that information dissemination and access to information which are basic Constitutional rights are maintained but media freedom is restrained by censorship, as such the state should speedily pass the ii Access to Information Bill into a law whereby the journalists' Modus Operandi will be facilitated through the same laws. Several recommendations were made including abolishing of outdated laws. In line with the findings, the legislators must set timelines and commit to meet each deadline, industry stakeholders must be consulted to commonly decide which laws or aspects of it must be repealed, consult their industry and consider their views and inputs. Similarly, it was found that unfair treatment of journalists and harassment with litigation on publishing information rightfully gained make the legislative environment toxic, therefore it is recommended that the legislative environment should be proactive and not reactive, laws affecting bread and butter issues and quality of life for now and the future should be prioritized, new laws should be promulgated. Last but not least in line with the objective of the legislative environment, the justice ministry should ensure they provide a portal that will provide court rolls and case appeals; however, it needs to be more frequently updated as well as promoted.enAccess to Information Bill,Media freedom, Social Responsibility, Human right, Namibian Constitution.Thesis