Government–CSLC dialogue accelerates
Inside the Ministry of Communication’s modernist building on Avenue du Général De Gaulle, Minister Thierry Lézin Moungalla welcomed President Médard Milandou Nsonga and the delegation of the Higher Council for Freedom of Communication for a working session that both parties described as “frank and forward-looking”. The agenda concentrated on the financial fragilities of news organisations, the increasingly complex administration of broadcast frequencies and the institutional strengthening of the regulator. By the end of the two-hour exchange, the outlines of a joint roadmap had emerged, promising a more resilient media landscape while preserving the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.
The meeting, hailed by observers as the most substantive since the beginning of the year, comes at a moment when Congolese newsrooms are adapting to technological upheaval and rising demands from audiences for verified information. The minister emphasised that the conversation was less a routine courtesy call than “an exercise in co-governance” designed to keep pace with international standards without undermining national priorities.
Financing the Congolese press
Sustainable funding mechanisms dominated the first part of the discussions. Many independent outlets continue to rely on intermittent advertising revenue and modest sales, a model judged increasingly precarious in an era of platform-driven audiences. According to participants, several options are under consideration, including a revitalised public support fund linked to measurable commitments in ethics and professional development.
Minister Moungalla underlined the government’s willingness to create a transparent pipeline of support that avoids direct editorial interference. “Supporting the press is not synonymous with steering it,” he stated, reiterating the executive’s respect for the autonomy of editorial lines. The CSLC echoed that sentiment, noting that predictable financing is indispensable if journalists are to invest in investigative work and technological upgrades without compromising independence.
Spectrum management in the digital era
Beyond commercial viability, the stewardship of national frequencies has become a strategic concern, with the proliferation of community radio stations and the migration toward digital terrestrial television. The CSLC briefed the minister on the technical constraints it faces in mapping, monitoring and, where necessary, sanctioning operators who deviate from authorised parameters.
Participants acknowledged that a well-calibrated spectrum policy is vital not only for media pluralism but also for national security and economic competitiveness. Enhanced coordination between the communications ministry, the telecommunications regulator and the CSLC was therefore validated as a priority action. Concrete measures, such as a shared real-time frequency database and upgraded monitoring equipment, are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Modernising the regulator’s toolkit
The delegation stressed that the CSLC’s current mandate is sufficiently broad, but its operational resources date from an analogue era. To perform effective oversight—ranging from licensing to content mediation—the body requires modern forensic software, legal research capacity and continuous staff training.
Minister Moungalla signalled an openness to mobilise both budgetary allocations and technical partnerships. While specifics remain confidential, the two institutions confirmed that a multi-year investment plan is being drafted. The objective is to align Congolese regulatory practice with best practices observed within the sub-region, thereby reinforcing the credibility of the national media ecosystem.
A roadmap for inclusive media reforms
At the conclusion of the talks, both the ministry and the CSLC agreed on four immediate deliverables: a consultative forum with professional unions, an inventory of media enterprises eligible for targeted financial assistance, an audit of frequency utilisation and a timetable for the procurement of new monitoring technologies.
Although official announcements are still forthcoming, the tone of the meeting suggests a departure from ad-hoc interventions toward a structured policy framework. For news professionals, the promise of institutional clarity is a welcome development; for the government, it represents a tangible step in demonstrating its commitment to a modern information society. As one senior official quietly remarked after the session, “Reinforcing the regulator ultimately reinforces public trust, and that is the cornerstone of any democracy.”