Freedom of the Press - Sao Tome and Principe (2005)

Status: Free
Legal Environment: 4
Political Influences: 10
Economic Pressures: 14
Total Score: 28

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 69
Religious Groups: Christian [Roman Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, Seventh-Day Adventist] (80 percent), other (20 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Mestico [Portuguese-African], African minority [primarily descendants of slaves and indentured servants from Angola and Mozambique], European minority [primarily Portuguese]
Capital: Sao Tome

Constitutionally protected freedom of expression is generally respected in practice. Two state-run and six privately owned newspapers and newsletters are published, although limited resources constrain a regular publishing schedule. While the state controls a local press agency and the only radio and television stations, no law forbids independent broadcasting. The Voice of America, Radio International Portugal, and Radio France Internationale are rebroadcast locally. Opposition parties receive free airtime, and newsletters and pamphlets criticizing the government circulate freely. A Superior Council for the Press comprising representatives from each branch of the media acts as a mediator in cases of disputes.