The Angolan media landscape is characterised by the dominance of state-owned outlets. Of the 23 officially registered radio stations, only two — Radio Ecclesia, which is affiliated with the Catholic Church, and Radio MFM — are considered independent. Some radio stations are denied licenses because they are not aligned with the regime. There are two public television channels and a few private ones. In 2020, the Media Nova group — which includes Radio Mais, TV Zimbo, and the newspaper O País — came under government control. Of the many private newspapers that emerged with the advent of multiparty politics in 1992, only four still exist in print format. There are no community radio stations in the country.

After a semblance of openness in 2017, President Lourenço limited his exchanges with the media and the rare press conferences he gives do not allow for follow-up questions. He speaks mainly at inaugurations and public events, where only journalists from state-owned media are invited. Access to public information and government sources is very complicated, while censorship and self-censorship are still common. The ruling party is overrepresented in the media, especially on Angolan Public Television (TPA). Many media licence applications are pending at the Ministry of Telecommunications, which is accused of obstructing the initiatives of people or groups outside the government. 

Under a series of laws passed in 2016, broadcast media outlets are required to air the president’s official statements. The decriminalisation of press offences, which journalists have been demanding, is still pending. There was, however, an encouraging sign in 2018 in the form of a court decision to acquit two investigative journalists of defamation on the grounds that they had exercised their “duty to report with complete objectivity.” In 2024, two pieces of legislation that could jeopardise press freedom and freedom of expression came into force: the National Security Law and the Law on Crimes of Vandalism of Public Goods and Services. However, several provisions of the latter legislation, such as prohibiting the publication of videos or information on security measures concerning public property, were ruled unconstitutional by the courts in December 2025.

Many newspapers have been declared bankrupt in recent years after being acquired by people linked to the ruling party, while others have had to close because of financial difficulties. The exorbitant costs of radio and TV licences are a barrier to pluralism.

Christianity plays an influential role in Angolan society. Subjects related to religion, the Catholic Church or sexuality are either ignored or treated with caution. Women have a limited role within news organisations, while ethnic minorities are poorly represented within the media and in coverage of issues concerning them. 

Investigative reporting on subjects involving governance and the judicial system still often lead to prosecutions and sometimes heavy sentences. Journalists, especially those working for independent, privately owned media outlets, are also the victims of threats and attacks. At least three journalists were the victims of break-ins or equipment theft in 2022. Reporters may also be arrested arbitrarily, especially while covering protests.