Perspectives of 'Local' News

    News is defined as “newly received or noteworthy information, especially about recent or important events”; however, it is often taken for granted. The standard American has a smartphone, television, and internet access to receive a constant stream of news right to their hands, and think nothing of it. Other countries do not have this luxury. The citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are not so lucky when it comes to access to timely and truthful news. The newspapers, radio, and television for this country are all under strict obligations and may even be restricted entirely.

    The Congo gained its independence from Belgium in 1960, and is located in the African continent's heart. Mass media in the Congo is kept on a tight leash, and there are some severe consequences for the dogs who runoff. Journalists in this area are "subjected to the practice of coupage (in English: cutting)." This means that "journalists are paid to write articles on behalf of persons who are the articles actual subject." This form of practice doesn't allow for the artistic freedom that most journalists desire when it comes to working on their craft. They are often forced to write about things they deem unimportant for very little money and cannot branch out on their own. For newspapers, Journalists must be members of the state-controlled union to practice, and most of the newspapers themselves are privately owned. While it appears that these journalists have the freedom to write as they please, as it is stated in their constitution, laws created have affected the way they practice their work.

    A newspaper like Aljazera stays up to date on what's new in the Congo. In recent days they have maintained a steady flow of information regarding the coronavirus, as most of the world has. A majority of their COVID - 19 news is nationally based, but they receive a lot of backlash on this as most of their news sources are strictly in French, their native language. Therefore, the appeal of offering national news is somewhat counteracted as they are unable to deliver. One of their latest articles is specific to the Indonesian capital going into lockdown after an outbreak has pushed them to their breaking point. This article's interesting point is that it was plastered across their main page; however, it did not relate to their local news. 

    Another popular news site, for the Congo, is all Africa and their focus appears to be mostly related to the politics of the Congo. A front-page article reads, "New DR President Tshisekedi Moving to Act on Security."  Upon opening the article, you realize how quick and to the point this "news story" is. There really isn't much information at all. This leads one to believe the journalist at work on this project wasn't given the whole story and couldn't report it accurately. Another story on this site, "UN Human Rights Joins Calls to Protect Nobel laureate Mukwege," also appeared to be a relatively short article. A short and to the point article is a quick and easy read but feels as if there are parts of the story that may be missing, possibly due to journalistic restrictions.

    Comparing the news found on these two platforms, it appears that what is considered "newsworthy" for the Democratic Republic of the Congo isn't precisely what you would always find newsworthy in America. A funny kitten playing with a yarn ball can make front-page news, or the latest hot celebrity couple in the US. The Congo takes a more serious approach to what they are providing to the public. Their coverage is usually politically based, as in, what's happening  with the military, who's running for office, or what big court case is up for battle. While they also obviously have coverage of local tragedies and when it will rain next, most of their news takes a more serious and political spin.

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been fighting for written and digital freedom for decades. When it comes to the fight for internet communications, "16-year-old [laws have] been instrumental in cracking down on internet accessibility." The government has all the power to "take charge of communications facilities in the interest of national security or public defense." While it seems that this act is in place for the security of the Congo, the government has repeatedly cut off the internet and blocked any use of social media. In fact, the government has frequently been known to shut off internet accessibility during protests and riots to prevent online communication between groups.  They also have the ability to monitor and censor what the internet is being used for. This sort of control may be necessary at times, but the government of the Congo takes its control to the extreme. Even journalists fall prisoner of the government, as they face threats and live in fear of doing their job. When it comes to reporting, these journalists are often forced to censor themselves and write conservatively as they can be treated, arrested, or even attacked for "breaking" the rules.

    News in the Congo has a serious tone as journalists are forced to dance around touchy subjects, and the internet reliability is unstable. Local news sources attempt to provide political updates and local happenings, but they can only do so much with journalistic restrictions and fear stuck writers. Living in a time where information is everything, small countries like this are just doing what they can to get by, and the government isn't making it very easy. Threats to journalists, short and to the point articles, and two-day blackout periods are often foreign to day-to-day Americans, but for the people of the Congo, that's news.