Media in Equatorial Guinea

The formal media system includes state, private and digital outlets, but practical media pluralism is very limited. The Ministry of Information, Press and Culture, abbreviated MIPC, oversees the main public broadcasting services. The Directorate General responsible for television, radio and written press also has sector responsibilities. ORTEL regulates telecommunications, not the media sector itself. ANCIC, the Ministry responsible for telecommunications and new technologies, the Fiscalía and the courts have roles in cyber-related enforcement and proceedings. The national public broadcaster, RTVGE, dominates television and radio news. Its television service is commonly called TVGE, and its radio service is called RNGE. Asonga operates a private television channel, although its ownership is closely associated with the state leadership. Current news is therefore commonly obtained through RTVGE or Asonga. The 2025 MIPC plan mentions additional TVGE services in Bata, rural stations, fibre-optic expansion, repairs and training in technology and journalism, but full implementation has not been established. Written press operates under Ley 6/1997 de Prensa, Imprenta y Medios Audiovisuales, which remains listed as applicable. A state web portal and outlets such as Ébano and Potopoto are present alongside publications including Ahora EG, Real Guinea Ecuatorial, Mechap and Mofueñ. Independent or private press activity is sporadic. Access to state information is legally recognised, but practical access can be difficult. Reported restrictions include prior censorship, self-censorship, dismissal, restricted access, threats and arbitrary detention. Foreign journalists have also reportedly faced entry refusals. Independent online outlets can provide partial alternatives outside direct state control. Streaming and digital access depend heavily on connectivity. RTVGE and TVGE provide live web access, RNGE has operated online since 13 February 2025, and TVGE offers free video on demand. Canal+ and DStv provide paid television alternatives. Fixed broadband reached only about 1.9% of households in the available UNESCO mapping data from 2019, so mobile internet is the main access method. Current prices and availability for over-the-top streaming services are not reliably established, and data costs depend on the provider, device and package. January 2025 estimates recorded about 1.16 million internet users, equal to 60.4% of the population, and about 872,000 mobile connections, equal to 45.5%. About 150,000 social-media identities were recorded, equal to 7.8%; this figure does not necessarily represent the number of unique people. Social media supports news access, public participation and voices from outside the country, but posts can also create surveillance and sanction risks. The Constitution recognises freedom of opinion and expression and the secrecy of communications. Ley 7/2024 on social media and cybercrime requires truthful communication and prohibits identity misuse, threats, hate speech, false news and copyright-infringing downloads. A court can order a retraction. Depending on the conduct and its consequences, false-news offences may carry two to four years of imprisonment and a fine of 5 to 50 million F.CFA. False news causing reputational harm may carry three to six years and the same fine range. Cases involving hate, violence, or danger to state or public health may carry ten to twenty-five years and fines of 100 to 500 million F.CFA. Data preservation and interception generally require a judicial order. Children's media use is regulated by Ley 7/2024. A child under 14 needs parental or guardian consent to access social media. Publishing a minor's data or contributions requires explicit consent, and images or videos of other people require consent as well. Media and safety education is required in primary, secondary, vocational and higher education. Government bodies, schools, families, platforms and internet providers have related protection or awareness duties. Child pornography and other cyber offences are criminal offences. People can obtain information through RTVGE, RNGE, Asonga, social media, digital magazines and foreign satellite or cable services. The law provides an information hotline and online reporting channel through the telecommunications ministry, while criminal complaints go to the competent authorities. Platform blocking should include notification and an opportunity to challenge the measure. No independent media complaints body has been reliably established. Television video on demand from TVGE is free, while paid television and mobile data create provider-dependent costs. The law entered into force 90 days after publication in the official gazette. Reliable standard fees and processing times for founding a media company, obtaining accreditation or securing a local broadcasting licence have not been established.