On September 21, 2026, Guinea's High Authority of Communication (HAC) announced a ban on 10 web TVs and 2 news sites for operating without a license. The decision, signed by HAC President Boubacar Yacine Diallo, aims to clean up the country's media landscape and crack down on clandestine media outlets. According to the HAC, these outlets were operating without prior approval or authorization from the competent authorities.
The HAC cited reports from its monitoring activities, which showed that the banned outlets were producing and broadcasting audiovisual content on the internet without the required licenses. The regulator also expressed concern about the negative impact of these informal activities on the regular media ecosystem. The HAC emphasized that the banned outlets were harming the interests of established radios, televisions, online press, and other media outlets.
Beyond the lack of licenses, the HAC criticized the banned outlets for not respecting professional rules. The regulator noted that some promoters and presenters of these outlets did not meet the legal requirements to work as media professionals and did not have press cards issued by the HAC. The HAC had previously issued multiple warnings and reminders to these outlets, which were ignored.
The HAC listed the banned web TVs, which include Yimbaya Medias TV, Dabola TV, Anelvision Web Media, Makono Médias, Mandeng Digital, Simandou TV, AK Médias, Siguiri 24 Star TV, Coyah TV, and Kamanoyah TV. The two banned news sites are www.dabolainfo.com and www.guinee24plus.com, which were accused of transforming into web TVs. The HAC ordered the immediate cessation of all activities by these outlets.
The HAC warned the banned outlets that any further activity would be considered a serious offense and could lead to judicial prosecution. The regulator called on administrative and communal authorities, as well as its own focal points and supervisors, to ensure the implementation of the ban. The decision takes effect immediately.
The ban is part of the HAC's efforts to regulate the media landscape in Guinea and ensure that all media outlets operate within the law. The regulator has been working to address the proliferation of clandestine media outlets, which have been operating without licenses or authorization. The HAC's decision is seen as a significant step towards cleaning up the media sector.
The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some welcoming the HAC's efforts to regulate the media sector, while others have expressed concerns about the impact on freedom of expression. The HAC's decision is expected to have significant implications for the media landscape in Guinea, and it remains to be seen how the banned outlets will respond to the ban.
Key points
- The HAC banned 10 web TVs and 2 news sites for operating without licenses or authorization.
- The regulator cited concerns about the negative impact of these informal activities on the regular media ecosystem.
- The ban is part of the HAC's efforts to regulate the media landscape in Guinea and ensure that all media outlets operate within the law.
