In a significant move, Guinea's High Authority of Communication (HAC) has banned Baro TV, a web TV station operating from the sub-prefecture of Baro, Kouroussa prefecture. The decision, taken on September 24, 2026, during an extraordinary session, was made by the HAC's college of commissioners, led by Boubacar Yacine DIALLO. The ban was enforced due to the station's alleged illegal exercise of audiovisual diffusion activities online.
According to the HAC's official document, Baro TV's promoter, Lamine Camara, was found to be operating without the required professional qualifications and failed to comply with previous warnings from the regulatory body. The HAC cited several reasons for the ban, including Camara's lack of journalist professional qualifications, his refusal to comply with previous orders, and a history of repeated offenses.
The HAC's decision, numbered 034/HAC/P/2026, explicitly prohibits the operation and diffusion of Baro TV across Guinea's national territory. Furthermore, Lamine Camara is barred from practicing journalism or engaging in any media-related activities in the country. The HAC has instructed administrative and communal authorities in Kouroussa to enforce the decision immediately.
The regulatory body has also tasked authorities in the sub-prefecture of Baro, the Regional focal point for Kankan, and the supervisor in Kouroussa with overseeing the implementation of the ban. The decision takes effect from the date of its signature and will be recorded and published in the Official Journal of the Republic.
The HAC's move is seen as a significant step in regulating Guinea's media landscape. The commission's decision aims to ensure that media operators adhere to established laws and guidelines. The ban on Baro TV and the suspension of its promoter demonstrate the HAC's commitment to enforcing regulations and maintaining order in the country's media sector.
The decision was made by a full quorum of 10 commissioners, emphasizing the gravity and legitimacy of the HAC's actions. This move is expected to have implications for other media operators in Guinea, highlighting the importance of compliance with regulatory requirements.
The HAC's actions have sparked interest in Guinea's media circles, with many awaiting potential reactions from other stakeholders. The regulatory body's efforts to sanitize the media landscape may lead to further enforcement actions against non-compliant media operators. Key points to note include the HAC's authority in regulating media activities, the consequences of non-compliance, and the impact on Guinea's media sector.
Key points
- The HAC has banned Baro TV and suspended its promoter for illegal media activities.
- The ban was enforced due to the station's alleged illegal exercise of audiovisual diffusion activities online.
- The HAC's decision aims to ensure that media operators adhere to established laws and guidelines.
