The rapid growth of the media in the DRC coincided not only with a period of political liberalization, but also one of increasing poverty and collapse of the State. This explains the paradox of a vibrant but chiefly informal, poor quality, and financially unsustainable media sector. Integrating this sector into the formal economy is one of the challenges the country is currently facing, and a prerequisite for the emergence of professional journalism and a quality press. Given its role in creating a public space for debate, the media also need to be supported so that they can contribute to the democratic process.