African Media Barometer Angola

From an administrative point of view, the media sector in Angola falls under the Ministry of Social Communication. Statutory Instrument number 7/92 of 16 April established the National Social Communication Council (CNCS), an independent body responsible for ensuring the objectivity and impartiality of the information provided by the media as well as safeguarding freedom of expression and thought in the media, in compliance with the rights laid down in the constitution and other relevant pieces of legislation.

The media in Angola are characterised by an pluralism and diversity, offering the public a relatively wide range of choice regarding print and broadcasting outlets. Nevertheless, the law lacks regulations with respect to the community media sector.

There has been an increase in the number of newspapers in recent years; there are private radio stations as well as at least one private television station.

Considering all these developments it is safe to conclude that Angola has at its disposal all the necessary ingredients for the unobstructed exercise of freedom of expression and freedom of the press. However, as was often pointed out during the AMB discussion, the excellent legal provisions do not necessarily translate into practice.