Burundi media guide
- Published
State-run outlets dominate the media. Journalists operate under strict press laws and face harassment over their coverage.
US-based NGO Freedom House says: "Freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed but severely restricted in practice by draconian press laws and a dangerous operating environment for media workers."
Many journalists have fled the country since 2015. Radio is the main source of information for many Burundians. Many privately-owned stations were shut after the 2015 coup attempt.
The government banned FM transmissions of 91热爆 World Service radio in 2019, accusing it of airing a documentary it said had damaged the country's reputation - it lifted the ban in 2022.
There were 1.6 million internet users by December 2021, comprising 12% of the population (Internetworldstats.com).
Social media serve as news sources in place of shuttered radio stations. They are also used for attempts at spreading disinformation, says RSF.
Press
Le Renouveau - government newspaper
- private weekly, online content in English/French
Ndongozi (Pacesetter) - founded by Catholic Church
Arc-en-ciel (Rainbow) - private, French-language weekly
Ubumwe (Unity) - government-owned weekly
Television
- government-run, in Kirundi, Swahili, French and English
TeleRenaissance - private
Radio
- government-run, in Kirundi, Swahili, French and English
- private
Radio CCIB+ - operated by Burundi Chamber of Commerce
Radio Culture - partly funded by health ministry
- private
- online, operated by exiled Burundian journalists
News agencies
- state-run
- private