The executive chairperson of the Namibia Media Trust (NMT), Gwen Lister said journalists must be able to report without interference from Government or special interests. She said, “let’s celebrate journalists today.” In terms of media self-regulating, the veteran journalist said free and independent media is an indispensable pillar of democracy, adding that most journalists adhere to the code of ethics. However, she said, the code of ethics has got some grey areas. In most cases, politicians, and those in power, are defensive and always focus on the negative of the media. She said good journalism is battling to survive and good journalism works in the interest of the masses. It provides key information required for decision making. Minister of Information and Technology, Dr Peya Mushelenga said freedom of expression is one of the pillars of democracy. People must be able to express how they feel, without control and intimidation. Mushelenga, however, noted that media should report fairly and impartially without prejudice. He stressed that media independence means being independent of not just Government influence but also other pressure groups. He said reports must be factual, without bias and correct when they make mistakes. He said, more needed to be done on accountability. Frank Steffen, chairperson of the Editor’s Forum of Namibia (EFN) also said media must be able to report without fear. Independence is very important and most independent papers are the most read. Steffen said news must be made available for the readers to choose from and called the Government to serve all media and not just the state-owned media institutions. Media Ombudsman, John Nakuta said Namibian media adheres to the regulations and the code of conduct that governs all print and electronic media in Namibia. Nakuta said ethics are important in serving humanity. He added that, when you are in the media industry, you must develop a thick skin to account for what is being reported. Lister reminded that there’s an inextricable link among access to information, press freedom and free speech. She says the access to information law should be passed because it will benefit mostly the public and not just the media. They said this during a panel discussion in celebration of World Press Freedom Day, under the theme, ‘Journalism Without Fear or Favour’ at the COVID-19 Communications Centre today.