Guyana has a robust media landscape, with a diversity of national and regional media outlets. The main newspapers are The Stabroek News, Kaieteur News, Guyana Times and the Guyana Chronicle. The latter is owned and controlled by the state, as is the broadcast service The National Communications Network. Additionally, there are a number of private newscasts and online news services. While there were attempts in 2020 to improve regulation of the broadcast industry, the government failed to involve or consult with any broadcasters to strengthen the reform.

Because members of the media regulatory authority are directly appointed by the president, the independence of certain media outlets, whose licenses can be revoked, is hampered. 

Although Guyana, a parliamentary democracy, guarantees freedom of expression and the right to information in its constitution, the laws are not always strictly enforced. Public officials use defamation lawsuits to criticize the media, and the threat of legal harassment can be enough to discourage journalists from pursuing an investigation. In recent years, Guyana passed legislation aimed at muzzling reporters who openly oppose the authorities. 

The text includes an anti-defamation law providing for fines and imprisonment for up to two years "to arrest journalists who oppose their political parties”.

State-owned and controlled media compete with several private radio stations, channels and publications. Independent and opposition media outlets struggle to compete with the advertising revenues of pro-government media outlets, which threatens their economic viability.

Guyana’s journalists are respected, generally protected, and allowed to do their jobs freely and independently. 

While journalists are rarely the target of physical acts or violence, television investigative journalist Travis Chase's car was shot at in December 2023. Media professionals have also faced legal intimidation and suspensions. They are often bullied online by political actors and sometimes unknown persons.