Luanda, ANGOLA, March 21 - Angolan government will continue to work on expanding radio and television signals to remote areas, said the chief of President’s Civil Affairs Office.,

Frederico Cardoso, who was speaking at an opening International Conference on the Challenges of Angolan Media, said that this action will ensure the citizen's right to express himself and to be heard.

The minister of State of the President said the implementation of the local authorities in country will enable joint effort to reform of the programme of some public Media organs, as well as the preparation of legislation on community radio and television.  

Frederico Cardoso said that the Angolan Executive wants an increasingly free press in its duty to inform, more effective in achieving the public interest and more responsible in the exercise of its work.

He explained that the government’s main objective is to contribute to the creation of conditions and an environment conducive to the full accomplishment of the functions of informing, educating, reflecting and entertaining.

Making reference to the migration from traditional to digital media, which is part of the Government's agenda, the President’s aide said that this exercise will demand each of the operators necessary adjustments to continue to succeed in a context of increased competition.  

The official added that one must take advantage of the change in the digital society to develop and promote collective intelligence as a nation and capitalize on the facilities of this tool to continue to consolidate the construction of a fairer and inclusive country.

In turn, the Media minister, João Melo, said that the sector needs to continue the process of change and reform, which needs the ideas and reflections of all, in order to move forward in a consistent and strong manner.  

The minister acknowledged that in almost two years the sector has seen important and unquestionable changes, but defended the need of more progress.  

He said that this is a transition process that requires a deep, consistent and solid reflection of the whole society, underlining that the Conference is aimed to deepen the debate and gather ideas to continue with the current reform in the sector.

The one-day International Conference on the Challenges of Angolan Media is sponsored by Mass Media Ministry and gathers professionals from Angola, Portugal, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea Bissau, United State and UK.

The event is divided into three panels: Communication, Democracy and Regulation; Social Media Factor or Threat to Democracy; International Experience in the field of public press, and how to Foster Private, Local and Community Press.

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