President of the Republic enacts new laws to strengthen the media sector

The President of the Republic, Daniel Francisco Chapo, has enacted and ordered the publication of a new legislative package for the media sector, comprising the Media Law, the Broadcasting Law, and the Law of the Higher Council for Social Communication.

The promulgation occurs after the approval of the respective decrees by the Assembly of the Republic and the subsequent verification of their conformity with the Constitution of the Republic.

The Government considers these reforms to represent a significant step in modernizing the legal framework that regulates the national media sector.

According to information released by the Presidency of the Republic, the new legal instruments aim to respond to the current challenges of social communication, in a context marked by digital transformation, the growth of information platforms, and the need to strengthen regulatory and accountability mechanisms in the exercise of journalistic activity.

The Executive branch argues that the legislative package now enacted preserves and reinforces fundamental constitutional principles, namely freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the right to information, considered essential pillars of the democratic rule of law.

The authorities further emphasize that the reforms aim to strengthen democratic institutions and consolidate the strategic role of the media in promoting citizenship, educating society, shaping public opinion, and enhancing national unity.

Another objective outlined by the Government is to promote a more professional, pluralistic, ethical and responsible media environment, capable of actively contributing to social stability, the defense of human rights and the economic, scientific and cultural development of the country.

With the entry into force of this new legislative package, it is also expected that the role of the Higher Council for Social Communication as a regulatory body will be strengthened, ensuring greater monitoring of the functioning of the media and compliance with the ethical principles of the profession.

The Presidency of the Republic reaffirms, through this decision, its commitment to consolidating a modern and inclusive media ecosystem, geared towards defending the public interest and deepening democracy in Mozambique.