On World Press Freedom Day (3 May), Angolan President João Lourenço shared a congratulatory message to professionals in the media. The president's message came amid widespread perceptions of government restrictions on the flow of information and censorship of journalists. According to the most recent Afrobarometer survey, Angolans broadly agree that the media should act as a watchdog over the government, constantly investigating and reporting on government mistakes and corruption. Citizens value media freedom and reject the notion that public information should be the exclusive preserve of government officials. However, views are mixed on whether media freedom exists in practice.

Principais conclusões:

• Almost two-thirds (64%) of Angolans say the media should "constantly investigate and report on government mistakes and corruption."
• A similarly clear majority (60%) insist on media freedom, while 27% endorse the government's right to prevent the publication of things it disapproves of.
• Nearly half (48%) of Angolans say the country's media is "somewhat free" or "completely free" to report and comment on the news without government interference, but 43% disagree with that assessment.
• More than half (55%) think the public should have access to government information, while 31% say such information should be for use by government officials only and should not be shared with the public.
• Stronger majorities believe that government bids and contracts with businesses (73%), local government budgets (73%), and the salaries of teachers and local government officials (61%) should be shared with the public.
• Television and radio are still the most popular sources of news in Angola. But social media and the Internet follow close behind, especially among young and educated Angolans.