African Media Barometer Republic of the Congo 2013 Summary The constitution of 20 January 2002 and laws of the Republic of the Congo grant citizens a wide range of freedoms, including freedom of expression and freedom of the media. However, Congolese are not able to exercise these freedoms without fear. Congo is one of the few countries in Central Africa to abolish prison sentences for media offenses, but journalists are frequently dragged to court and are victims of arbitrary arrests, death threats and even murder. With a population of about four millions, there are more than 50 declared newspapers in Congo. About 20 of them are regular and serving mostly major cities. Les Dépêches de Brazzaville is the only and largest daily with a print run of only 5000. It is also the cheapest newspaper at CFAF 100 (0,15 Euro) per copy. The most expensive newspaper costs CFAF 500 (0,76 Euro), almost the cost of an average breakfast. Congo’s state-owned newspaper La Nouvelle République barely publishes. It started off as a daily but is now very irregular on the stands. The Congolese News Agency also produces a weekly newsletter, distributed mostly in chancelleries and public services, with a print run of 500. Both papers are directly supervised and heavily influenced by the Ministry of Communication. Besides the state-run broadcaster (which covers the 342,000 km² of the country more than any other media) there are about 20 radio stations and a dozen national TV channels throughout the country. Many international broadcasters are available via locally installed FM transmitters and satellites. Internet penetration is weak but growing, particular with the introduction of affordable data plans by mobile phone operators. Despite the large number of print and broadcast outlets, a good number of Congolese in the up-country do enjoy these advantages and do not receive national news. After independence in 1960, a number of military coups and the communist regime, the country engaged in a transition to a multi-party democracy that led to two civil wars in 1993 and 1997. Congo’s post-conflict national dialogue ended in 2001 when the constitution and many laws were adopted including freedom of expression and media related legislation. The “Freedom of Information and Communication” law provides the framework for the exercise of “freedom of information and communication” guaranteed by the constitution. 68 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO 2013