Angola Political Orientation
Government
Government Type: Presidential Republic
Head of State/Government: President João Lourenço
Political Party: People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA)
Political Position: Left-Wing
Press Freedom
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: 38.15 – Limited Freedom
World Press Freedom Rank: Angola 125/180
According to RSF, censorship and control of information remain common issues for journalists in Angola, even after the election of a new president in September 2017. According to a Freedom House report 2022, Angola is rated as “Not Free” with a 30 out of 100. The report highlights that the government limits freedom of the press, and arrest and physical assault against journalists are prevalent.
Media Ownership and Government Analysis
In Angola, the government controls the majority of media outlets, including newspapers, television, and radio stations. The state-run Televisao Popular de Angola (TPA), the state-run media group Edições Novembro E.P. and its publication Jornal de Angola, and the nationwide RNA radio station dominate the news market and offer a pro-government perspective. Angolan Press Agency (ANGOP), which is state-owned and funded, operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Telecommunications, and its board of directors is appointed by the President, leading to reporting that often aligns with the government’s views.
Private media outlets face significant challenges, including government censorship and intimidation. According to The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), in 2021, Angola suspended three TV channels for alleged improper registration, raising concerns about press freedom. In 2022, private TV channels T.V. Zimbo and T.V. Palanca reporters “assaulted and branded ‘sellouts’ while covering a nationwide strike.”
President Lourenço has imposed restrictive rules on press conferences, limiting media contact. Further, the government regulates all media outlets by issuing licenses, which can be revoked at any time, and has been accused of using advertising revenue to influence coverage. The high cost of licenses ($1.4 million for TV, $136,000 for radio) has also been criticized by journalists.
In conclusion, the government’s control and regulation of most media outlets create significant difficulties for private media to operate independently, despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression. Conversely, state-run media lacks plurality as the government regulates them resulting in the promotion of the government’s viewpoints.
Last Updated on May 12, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check
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