Fellow Shebeeners... the Fourth Estate as it is often referred to is one of the pillars of our democracy. It brings to life, and affirms our right to freedom of expression. The term Fourth Estate refers to the press, both in its explicit capacity of advocacy and in its implicit ability to frame political issues. What are your thoughts about the newspapers published in our country? Do you have a favourite newspaper? Why? Are there particularly good ones, or bad ones?

Shebeen,


I read at least 4 papers per day - hard copy- plus some others on the 'net. If that choice were to be there, I would not have voted for the daily I did vote for!

Out of interest, which choice is that, Oneword?

Generally our media is doing a good job. There is always room for improvement, of course, and the media is also affected by lack of resources and the small size of the market. If there is one thing, though, that I would like to see more of it's quality investigative reporting.

regional: M&G, Herald, Star, Sowetan, Beeld

World: Washington Post, NY Times, Frankfurter Allgemeine, Kampala Monitor, Le Monde (English translation of the most important articles), Xinhua (although it is not a newspaper), Financial Times, etc.

Hey, Mr. 4-eyes-and-one-word! He wanted to know whether your read the Namibian, the Allgemiene Zietung or New Era!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not whether you do nothing else but read newspapers all day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS. Who or what is the "Southern Times"???????????? Never seen it!!! Ever!!!!t

a. All three

b. Don't be presumptuous

c. Regional weekly

• Southern Times: Absoulte disaster and propaganda sheet
• New Era: New kid on the block, but improving steadily although still on master's leash (Government)
• Republikein: Wat? Good classifieds paper with a bit of serious journalism and good enterainment section
• Informante: Gutter journalism - that's why it has to be free!
• The Namibian: Mature, most professional newspaper but getting a bit stale in format
• Allgemeine Zeitung: Apparently not bad, according to my German contacts
• Plus: Cute and interesting
• The Observer: Planes, dams and tits.

The best: The Namibian - by far.Pity about their online presence, though - but Shebeen makes up for that any time.

It seems to have had a kick up the behind recently, because the last issue or two have been more than a "re-chewing" of Bob's propganda. There are more regional issues. Quite readable, in fact.

I believe their offices are the same as New Era's; maybe they have a complimentary copy or two for us? Doesn't hurt to try, does it?

Most news papers in the land had been awesome. My favorites are the Republikein and the Namibia only because of their easy formats. Despite apparently favor by the regime, New Era is somewhat as objective. What I personally would want to see more often are the basic issues brought up to the public attention.

Dude - I think you're a bit harsh and dismissive of Smittie. The Observer may be "unique" in format and content, but you cannot dismiss the man's energy and drive to report from all corners of our vast country. There is more to the Observer than planes, dams and tits. It's predictable and idiosyncratic but enriches the media landscape in our country.