Find Media and Broadcasting expertise in Seychelles

The media in Seychelles is partly free and there is a government monopoly of radio and television. Restrictive licensing fees discourage private broadcasters and support the state monopoly. Libel laws can be used against opposition newspapers. There is harassment of members of the media, and extensive self-censorship. The constitution provides for freedom of speech but is restricted by protecting reputation, rights and privacy of citizens as well as the ‘interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health’.

The Minister of Information has the power to prohibit the broadcast of any material deemed contradictory to national interest, but there has been a move towards a freer media in recent years. In 2010 the Seychelles Media Commission Act established an independent media arbitration body. Prominent companies include Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation. Seychelles Nation is a daily national newspaper published by the National Information Services Agency, which carries reports on all government-related issues as well as national, regional and international news. There is also a privately owned daily newspaper, the Rising Sun.