THE Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) may soon find itself in a
situation where downsizing and retrenchments are unavoidable, unless
Government steps in to rescue the embattled broadcaster, writes Denver Isaacs in The Namibian.
Escalating financial problems, a high staff turnover, and technical equipment that is either obsolete or constantly breaks down are just some of the factors that have driven the corporation into an absolute state of emergency.
The Namibian has reliably learned that the NBC's top structure hopes to schedule a meeting with President Hifikepunye Pohamba and Cabinet to discuss the corporation's plight.
The NBC apparently hopes that strides made in its management since Director General (DG) Bob Kandetu's appointment has given it more leverage than before to ask for such assistance.
Some of the successes include cutting the corporation's monthly expenditure from N$13 million to N$11,2 million in the last 10 months, increasing advertising income from N$17 million to N$23,9 million since last year, and collecting between N$50 000 and N$60 000 a month in TV licences, something that has never happened in the history of the NBC.
Contacted about the alleged planned request to Cabinet, Kandetu told The Namibian that no such request had been made yet.
He instead referred to a number of targets Cabinet has set for the NBC, including setting up a prudent business plan and putting proper systems in place to control the corporation's finances.
The corporation was currently engaged in meeting these requirements, he said.
But these improvements are understood to be overshadowed by the problems facing the corporation – and could even end up being cancelled out by them.
While the corporation has an annual operational budget of N$150 million, it has an income of N$90,8 million, it is understood.
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