Suriname Newspapers
National Newspapers
Online News Platforms
A Guide to the Press of Suriname: A Diverse and Digital-First Landscape
Welcome to your guide to the newspapers of the Republic of Suriname, a nation with a diverse and pluralistic media landscape that is celebrated as one of the freest in South America. The press in this Dutch-speaking country is characterized by a strong tradition of independent print journalism, a competitive and increasingly dominant online news sector, and a mix of private and state-run media.1 This vibrant environment provides a wide spectrum of news and opinion for its multicultural society.
The Pillars of Print Journalism
While the media landscape is rapidly moving online, Suriname’s traditional daily newspapers remain influential institutions, holding a significant place in the nation’s public and political life. Based in the capital, Paramaribo, these dailies have a long history of independent reporting.
De Ware Tijd (The True Time): As Suriname’s largest and leading daily newspaper, De Ware Tijd is renowned for its staunchly independent editorial stance and comprehensive coverage of national news, politics, and culture. Founded in 1957, it is a cornerstone of the country’s press.
De West: Holding the title of Suriname’s oldest newspaper, De West, founded in the late 19th century, has a long and storied history of navigating the nation’s political evolution, including periods of military rule. It continues to be a major independent voice in the media landscape.
Dagblad Suriname (Suriname Daily): Another key daily newspaper that contributes to the diversity of the print media, providing extensive news coverage for the nation.
The Dominance of Online News
The heart of Suriname’s modern media beats online. A host of powerful and popular digital-native news portals have become the primary source of up-to-the-minute information for most Surinamese, both at home and in the large diaspora in the Netherlands.
Starnieuws (Star News): The undisputed leader in the digital space, Starnieuws is the most visited news website in the country. This 24/7 online portal is renowned for its timely breaking news, political reporting, and in-depth analysis, making it an essential daily resource.
Waterkant.net: A major online news source that focuses on news relevant to Suriname and the Surinamese community in the Netherlands, serving as a vital bridge for the diaspora.
Other Digital Voices: A competitive ecosystem of other online portals, including Suriname Herald and GFC Nieuws, ensures a constant and diverse flow of digital news and information.
A Free and Pluralistic Environment
Suriname is consistently recognized for its high level of press freedom. The country’s constitution protects freedom of expression, and this is largely respected in practice. The media landscape includes private newspapers, television, and radio stations operating alongside state-run broadcasters, creating a pluralistic environment where a variety of viewpoints can be heard.
From the historic pages of its independent dailies to the immediate and interactive nature of its leading online portals, the media of Suriname offers a compelling and multifaceted view of this unique South American nation. Explore our collection on w3worldnewspapers.com to connect with the full spectrum of voices from Suriname.