SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.6 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 1.0 The editorial independence of print media published by a public authority is protected adequately against undue political interference. ANALYSIS: There is constant interference especially in public/state media institutions, where the ruling party has some influence and exerts this with a degree of regularity. Notwithstanding their avowed purpose to be a public and impartial service, state media often end up not being able to meet the principle of editorial independence. Media workers gathered in round table discussions were of the opinion that the state media do not deliver a public service, but rather strive to give coverage to and publicise issues in which the ruling class is interested, to the detriment of a true service in the interest of the public. Therefore, the editorial independence of the state media seems doubtful. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.7 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1 1.3 Local or regional independent news agencies gather and distribute information for all media. ANALYSIS: There is only one news agency – state or public, Angop, which is available online on its site www.angolapress-angop.ao This news agency offers reasonable national and international coverage and serves as a source of information for most of the media outlets in the country. However there is the possibility of accessing news, regional or international, via the internet. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.8 4, 2, 1, 2, 4, 3, 1, 1 2.3 Media diversity is promoted through adequate competition regulation/ legislation. ANALYSIS: There are no major incentives to promote the diversity of the media or to enable the creation of more media outlets. Even though the Press Law and other legislation guarantee the freedom to set up media outlets, in practice there is a government concern that media outlets could flood the market. At present, there are still backlogged applications awaiting approval (some going back 7 years) for the establishment of radio stations, still without the green light from the governmental bodies in charge. The Broadcasting Act in force confers on the State the sole right to broadcast over shortwave. For the same reason, no community radio project has been So This Is Democracy? 2005 -179- Media Institute of Southern Africa