Mass media in the Republic of the Congo are severely restricted by many factors, including widespread illiteracy and economic underdevelopment.
Even Pointe-Noire, the second largest city and the country's economic capital, does not have its own local newspaper.
During the 2009 national elections, a number of reporters from major international press organizations, including France 24, BBC and Radio France International, were harassed, physically attacked by police and soldiers, and had their equipment seized.
All newspapers are based in Brazzaville, and publish in French: In addition to Congolese radio stations, stations from nearby Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, can be received in the Brazzaville.
Rebroadcasts of the BBC World Service, Radio France Internationale, and the Voice of America are available.