African Media Barometer Togo

Despite the development of democracy since the 1990s, freedom of expression and the press in Togo suffers from sporadic political violence, legislative, content and access restrictions.

Whilst freedom of expression and access to information is in theory legislatively guaranteed, their practice is often restricted on the basis of national security or individual privacy. Further, regional and international media freedom instruments, whilst signed, are seldom adhered to, ICT policy lacks any coherence and consultation with the sector for media legislation is absent.

Linked to this, frequent legal threats to journalists, the economic fragility of media houses, as well as the lacking political independence of media authorities and broadcasters, are restricting content diversity and independence. Credibility of the media is further weakened by low salaries and professional standards, lacking media ownership transparency and investigative skills, and an atmosphere of fear that creates self-censorship and bias.

In terms of access, whilst the media landscape is liberalising, newspapers remain expensive and instances limiting access to international media have been reported.

Nonetheless, efforts to improve media training and reporting diversity are reinforced by an increasingly supportive civil society and a self-regulatory body working to enhance media legitimacy. The AMB thus demonstrates that the strengthening of journalistic associations and the transformation of the state to a public interest broadcaster are important future steps.