The Regroupement des Promoteurs et Professionnels des Médias Digitaux du Bénin (REPROMED-Bénin) has welcomed the signing of conventions between the Haute Autorité de l'Audiovisuel et de la Communication (HAAC) and 89 online media operators. This development marks a significant step in the structuring of Benin's digital media landscape. REPROMED-Bénin congratulates HAAC President Édouard LOKO and the institution's staff on this achievement. The authorization of these online media outlets brings clarity to the sector and provides a legal framework for their operations.
REPROMED-Bénin views this formalization as a crucial step towards a better-structured digital media landscape in Benin. The organization acknowledges the role of online media in public information and commends the 89 authorized promoters. REPROMED-Bénin emphasizes that this achievement is not a culmination but rather a new phase in the development of the sector. The organization highlights the challenges faced by online media, including limited advertising revenue, restricted access to financing, and difficulties in accessing sources and opportunities.
To overcome these challenges, REPROMED-Bénin stresses the need for collective efforts to address key issues. These include improving access to the advertising market, diversifying revenue sources, and accessing financing mechanisms and public support. The organization also emphasizes the importance of enhancing professional and managerial competencies, valorizing digital audiences, and supporting technological innovation. REPROMED-Bénin urges stakeholders to prioritize these concerns to ensure the long-term viability of online media in Benin.
The rapid evolution of the digital ecosystem, marked by the rise of content creators and social platforms, presents additional challenges. REPROMED-Bénin advocates for clarifying the roles of different stakeholders within this ecosystem while promoting the specificity of professional journalism. The organization reaffirms its commitment to engaging in dialogue with HAAC, public authorities, technical and financial partners, and other stakeholders to foster the growth of responsible and economically viable online media.
REPROMED-Bénin invites the 89 authorized online media outlets to join its professional network, which is built on solidarity, experience sharing, and mutual support. The organization emphasizes that authorization is only the first step and that the next challenges involve professionalization, economic viability, and consolidation of the online journalism profession. REPROMED-Bénin expresses its readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to promote a robust and sustainable digital media sector in Benin.
The HAAC's authorization of 89 online media outlets reflects a significant milestone in Benin's media regulation efforts. REPROMED-Bénin's call for sector consolidation and professionalization underscores the complexities of the digital media landscape. As the sector continues to evolve, stakeholders must address the challenges and opportunities arising from technological advancements, changing audience habits, and the proliferation of online content creators.
REPROMED-Bénin's President, Lorys S.C. HOUNON, has reiterated the organization's commitment to supporting the development of a professional and sustainable online media sector in Benin. The organization's efforts aim to promote a vibrant and responsible digital media landscape that serves the interests of the Beninese public.
Key points
- REPROMED-Bénin welcomes HAAC's authorization of 89 online media outlets, marking a significant step in Benin's digital media regulation.
- The organization calls for sector consolidation, professionalization, and economic viability to ensure the long-term sustainability of online media in Benin.
- REPROMED-Bénin emphasizes the need for collective efforts to address key challenges facing online media, including limited advertising revenue and restricted access to financing.
