Development of journalism in the Republic of Congo: problems and prospects

Abstract

The current state of journalism in the Republic of Congo is of particular research interest due to the complex military and political situation in the world in the context of hybrid threats. The purpose of the study is to identify current problems and prospects for the development of journalism in the Republic of Congo. To this end, the background to the formation of journalism in Congo is examined, the media system of the Republic of Congo is characterized, and the system of military sources of information, including the Ministry of Defense magazines Armée et Nation and FAC Infos , is analyzed. A general thesis is put forward that historical background is of great importance for understanding the specifics of journalism: the Republic of Congo has experienced a difficult history, even after gaining independence it had to face severe trials - political crises and civil wars. Therefore, its media system was formed under difficult economic and political conditions. Importantly, the Congolese Armed Forces (FAC) played an important role in the country's destiny as a guarantor of political stability and national security, which actualizes the information component in the work of the Congolese army. The authors emphasize the importance of internal factors influencing the media system: national, linguistic, and cultural. The standard of living of the population, the habits of information product consumption, and the inclusion of the Congolese media system in the media field of the African continent also matter for the development of Congo's journalism.