The High Authority of Media and Audiovisual (HAMA) in Chad organized its second information, exchange, and dialogue session with media sector stakeholders on September 29, 2026, at the CEFOD. The meeting aimed to strengthen dialogue with professionals and find solutions to the challenges facing the Chadian media landscape. This session follows the first one held on July 31, 2025, which was marked by strained relations between the regulatory body and media professionals.
HAMA President Halimé Assadya Ali emphasized that this meeting aims to establish lasting dialogue, in line with recommendations from the first edition. She noted that the most tangible sign of improved relations is the dynamic of regular meetings with press organ leaders and professional organizations. The previous session led to recommendations, including capacity building for professionals, popularizing HAMA's role, improving press card conditions, and clarifying press aid distribution criteria.
The HAMA has adopted a 2026-2028 strategic plan to address these concerns, focusing on strengthening institutional governance and transparency, dialogue with sector stakeholders, modernizing work tools, and supporting journalists. However, Halimé Assadya Ali expressed concern about certain media practices, particularly in print and online press, citing irregularities, lack of legal deposit, and transformation into communication agencies.
The online press situation is also worrisome, with Halimé Assadya Ali noting that journalism often gives way to amateurism, and some media outlets lack a structured newsroom, professionals, or even a website. Some media outlets limit themselves to Facebook publications, spreading unverified or defamatory content. In response, HAMA suspended the process of examining online journal creation requests on August 3, 2026, as a precautionary measure to reflect on governance and online press professionalization.
HAMA Secretary-General Félicien Alladoum Radingaye highlighted the profound transformations in the media sector due to rapid technological changes, social media growth, and artificial intelligence. These changes offer new possibilities but also raise challenges related to content reliability, information verification, disinformation, and responsible AI use. He stressed that effective regulation relies on listening and consultation with concerned stakeholders.
Among the announcements made, the resumption of the professional journalist ID card process, suspended over a year ago, is expected to restart next week with a new commission to examine pending requests. The HAMA also reported progress on the construction of the Press House, with a 5,000m² plot allocated in August 2025 and a market signed in June 2026. The recruitment of a control office is underway, with construction set to begin before the end of the year.
The HAMA is committed to training, having already trained around 60 community radio technicians in digital tools in October and November 2025, and 60 women in leadership positions in March 2026 on artificial intelligence and responsible journalism. A broader capacity-building program is planned within the 2026-2028 strategic plan, supported by several technical partners. Additionally, Halimé Assadya Ali announced a significant increase in press aid, which has been doubled compared to its previous level.
Key points
- HAMA aims to professionalize Chad's media sector through dialogue and strategic planning.
- The regulator has suspended online journal creation requests to reflect on governance and professionalization.
- Press aid is set to increase, having been doubled compared to its previous level.
