There is, however, a clear effort to raise the standards of journalism to this level. A small group
of senior journalists are getting closer to these standards.
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

4.3

3, 3, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 2
2.6

The media cover the full spectrum of events, issues and cultures,
including business/economics, cultural, local and investigative stories.

ANALYSIS:
There is a shortage of means to enable the complete coverage of the country, given its large
size. For this reason, many aspects of the life of communities far removed from the centres are
not covered in the press. Given the many cultures of the peoples who inhabit Angola, it is not
possible to cover everything. However, there is an increasing effort of the media to expand
coverage to the most remote areas now that peace makes this possible. As for investigative
journalism, the same problem of lack of means and resources to sustain the high costs of
information gathering applies. In addition, many journalists lack the required skills to go into
investigative journalism.
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

4.4.

3, 3, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 2
2.6

Gender mainstreaming is promoted in terms of equal participation of
both sexes in the production process.

ANALYSIS:
Many young women are beginning to enter the journalistic profession. In the newsrooms they
share with the men the various professional jobs. However, there are still clear disadvantages
for women, resulting from cultural biases that at times inhibit the participation of woman on an
equal footing. Because of a lack of adequate conditions, household chores fetter women and
deny them the possibility of, for example, covering events in areas away from home for extended periods.
There are some women who occupy management posts in some areas of journalism, even
though there is only one media house with a woman at the helm (Radio LAC).
SCORES:
Individual scores:
Average score:

4.5.

3, 3, 2, 3, 2, 3, 3, 2
2.6

Gender mainstreaming is reflected in the editorial content.

ANALYSIS:
Editorial policies do not contain clear references to promoting gender balance. However, the
existence of legislation that provides for non-discrimination on the basis of gender has in some
situations functioned as a form of protection in the sense of guaranteeing equal treatment in
So This Is Democracy? 2005

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Media Institute of Southern Africa

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