Tonga media guide

Image source, Getty Images

State radio and TV tend to be pro-government, while private broadcasters offer little independent local coverage.

Privately-owned newspapers carry opposition views, but journalists can face harassment and threats of criminal charges. A Department of Information oversees all media reporting, US-based Freedom House notes.

More than 80,000 Tongans were online by July 2022, comprising 74% of the population (Internetworldstats.com). There are no curbs on internet access.

Press

  • - weekly newspaper and online news service
  • Times of Tonga - privately-owned, published from New Zealand
  • - privately-owned magazine; website carries news in English

Television

  • - state-owned, operates Television Tonga
  • DigiTV - digital cable TV

Radio

  • - state-owned, operates mediumwave (AM) station Radio Tonga 1 and Kool 90FM
  • - private
  • - private, Christian
  • Radio Nuku'alofa - private