Windhoek: Speaker of the National Assembly, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, has encouraged the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) to play a leading role in promoting a more balanced presentation of women in leadership. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila was speaking at the broadcaster's 35 years of service celebratory event held in Windhoek on Friday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila noted that media coverage frequently focuses on controversies and personal matters involving women leaders, while their achievements and contributions often receive less attention. She warned that such patterns of reporting can influence public perceptions of women in leadership and weaken confidence in their ability to lead. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila called on the national broadcaster to examine how gender issues are reflected in its content and to use its platforms to support efforts aimed at advancing women's empowerment.

Also speaking at the anniversary, NBC board chairperson Lazarus Jacobs said the broadcaster remains committed to strengthening its position as a trusted public media institution. He mentioned that the organisation's long-term goal is to deliver reliable Namibian content across all platforms while adapting to changing media trends. Jacobs stressed that public confidence in journalism is becoming increasingly important amid the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation worldwide. He emphasized that credibility, inclusivity, accessibility, and public service must remain at the centre of the broadcaster's work.

First Director General of the NBC, Nahum Gorelick, recalled the challenges of operating a broadcaster in the early years after independence, when news and programme production depended on analogue equipment and microwave transmission technology. He explained that television content was recorded on cassette-based systems using large cameras, while efforts to expand broadcasting services later required the introduction of new technologies, including satellite transmission and wider radio coverage. According to Gorelick, the rollout of live television broadcasts improved access for audiences connected to existing transmission networks.

Meanwhile, NBC Director General Menesia Muinjo reaffirmed the corporation's commitment to serving the public through information, education, and entertainment. She highlighted recent efforts to strengthen news gathering across the country, noting that news crews were deployed to all 14 regions in May 2026 to improve nationwide coverage.