Freedom of the Press - Cape Verde (2006)
| Publisher | Freedom House |
| Publication Date | 27 April 2006 |
| Cite as | Freedom House, Freedom of the Press - Cape Verde (2006), 27 April 2006, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/473451ac28.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Status: Partly Free
Legal Environment: 7
Political Influences: 12
Economic Pressures: 13
Total Score: 32
Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 69
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic, Protestant
Ethnic Groups: Creole [mulatto] (71 percent), African (28 percent), European (1 percent)
Capital: Praia
The constitution of Cape Verde directly protects freedom of speech as well as confidentiality of sources, access to information, and freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention. The government generally respects these rights and does not tolerate their abuse by others. There were no major reported cases of extralegal intimidation or violence against the media in 2005. However, reports of self-censorship among journalists, particularly those who work for state-owned media outlets, are common, and there is a need for improvement in journalism training.
Much of the media is state operated, although there are a growing number of private publications and broadcast outlets, including cable television and foreign stations, that operate mostly out of Praia, the capital. Owing to the expense and restrictive licensing laws, establishing a broadcast outlet is often difficult and time-consuming. A television or radio station requires government authorization before it can begin broadcasting. The production and distribution of newspapers is also very expensive because of the high cost of printing and the need for air transportation for paper delivery in an archipelago. Access to the internet is unrestricted.
