Libre Express, a Beninese online media outlet, has signed a convention with the Haute Autorité de l'Audiovisuel et de la Communication (HAAC) on October 1, 2026. This development marks a significant milestone for the media outlet, which was launched in 2022. The signing ceremony, which included 88 other online media operators, is seen as a crucial step in the structuring of the Beninese information platform.
The promoter of Libre Express, Ozias Hounguè, has expressed his ambitions for the media outlet. According to him, the signing of the convention with HAAC will enable Libre Express to envisage the future with more structure and ambition. The media outlet's editorial line will continue to focus on judicial and security-related news. However, it aims to expand its formats and provide in-depth treatment of information.
Libre Express plans to allocate more space to investigative reports and field reporting. The media outlet also intends to develop video content and interviews to better respond to changing public habits. This expansion will require adequate resources, as producing serious information demands time, work, and resources. Ozias Hounguè emphasizes that quality has a cost.
Like many online media outlets, Libre Express faces the challenge of financing. Developing partnerships is being considered, but it must be done while preserving the independence of the editorial team. Ozias Hounguè stresses that any collaboration must respect the media outlet's editorial line, ensuring that journalistic choices remain independent.
Finding a viable economic model is a priority for Libre Express. This will enable the media outlet to strengthen its productions without compromising its professional standards. Libre Express also aims to give more attention to African news. According to Ozias Hounguè, this expansion should be based on a deep understanding of Beninese and regional realities.
The media outlet plans to increase its coverage of African news, but this will be done progressively, starting with what it knows and masters. Ozias Hounguè prioritizes the usefulness of information and its contribution to public debate. The goal is to provide content that truly informs, gives a voice to citizens, and helps to better understand societal issues.
Libre Express's promoter concludes that the media outlet's ambition is to build a credible, independent, and sustainable platform. This will be achieved through journalistic rigor, diversified content, and financial solidity. The signing of the convention with HAAC marks a new chapter in the development of Libre Express, which aims to become a leading online media outlet in Benin.
Key points
- Libre Express aims to expand its investigative reporting and develop video content.
- The media outlet prioritizes preserving its editorial independence while seeking partnerships.
- Libre Express plans to increase its coverage of African news, starting with Beninese and regional realities.
