Media in Seychelles

The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) is the national public broadcaster. It operates SBC1, SBC2 and SBC3, Radyo Sesel and Paradise FM, while digital terrestrial television also carries free international channels; RFI and BBC World Service are available through FM. The SBC Act 2026 took effect on 9 July 2026 and sets a public-service role with editorial independence, impartiality, accountability, transparency, innovation and universal access. Its 11-member board must support those duties, and the Constitution protects the independence of state-funded or state-controlled broadcasters and access to differing views. NISA is a fully state-owned public enterprise that publishes Seychelles NATION in print and digital form. Today in Seychelles is a private independent daily newspaper published in print and through eTODAY, except on Sundays. Seychelles News Agency resumed operations on 26 January 2026 through a six-month rebuilding period focused on capacity, governance and editorial work. The Department of Information coordinates central government information, while local media outlets and journalists provide additional reporting and commentary. SBC+ provides local streaming through its website and app. Freeview access requires mobile registration, and catch-up content is available for up to five days. The SBC Radio App is free and provides live radio, podcasts and rewind functions. Leko offers paid audio on demand at US$9 per month, US$48 for six months or US$77 for twelve months. Subscription television and internet access are supplied by licensed providers including Intelvision and Cable & Wireless Seychelles. People aged 16 or under need consent from a parent or guardian to use SBC+. Social media mainly supports digital distribution, feedback and engagement. SBC accepts news feedback through WhatsApp, and some media apps include messaging or community functions. DataReportal estimated about 70,400 social-media users aged 18 or older in 2025, equivalent to about 69.9% of the adult population and 61.2% of internet users; these figures do not replace a complete local government usage statistic. Island location and network availability can affect practical access to online media. The Seychelles Media Commission (SMC) oversees newspapers, radio and television, news agencies, online publications, blogs and journalists. It promotes media freedom and journalism standards, monitors compliance with its Code of Conduct and handles complaints, arbitration and protection of access to accurate, truthful and timely information. The Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority (SCRA) regulates electronic communications and broadcasting. A broadcasting service generally requires an SCRA licence, and a separate radio-frequency spectrum licence may also be needed. The 2026 Communications (Licensing) Regulations replaced the 2021 licensing rules, and providers have duties concerning service quality, consumer protection and complaint procedures. Technical or service complaints belong with SCRA, while editorial and ethical complaints belong with SMC; appeals against SCRA decisions can be filed with the Communications Tribunal within 45 days. The Constitution protects freedom of expression and opinion and the right to seek, receive and communicate information. Restrictions must have a legal basis and be necessary in a democratic society, including for public safety, public order, morality, health, reputation, privacy, confidentiality, court proceedings, National Assembly proceedings or technical communications regulation. Defamation is a civil matter rather than a criminal offence under the Penal Code Amendment Act 2021. Article 28 also gives access to personal data held by a public authority and allows correction of inaccurate data. Children’s media participation is supported through programmes involving SBC and the National Council for Children, while child and personal data remain subject to the Data Protection Act 2023.