The High Authority of Communication (HAC) in Guinea, led by President Boubacar Yacine Diallo, has initiated a national awareness campaign to educate media professionals on the conditions for creating and operating media outlets in the country. The campaign, which began on October 5, 2026, aims to clarify the legal framework governing media activities and address common misconceptions. The first session was held in Kindia, where Diallo met with journalists, radio directors, and online news site managers.
The campaign seeks to strengthen media professionals' understanding of the legal provisions governing media creation and operations. It also provides an opportunity for the HAC to engage directly with existing media outlets, discuss challenges, and outline requirements for lawful operation. According to Diallo, the initiative addresses the need to clarify certain concepts that still cause confusion in Guinea's media landscape. The HAC has deployed commissioners to all 33 prefectures and newly created prefectures to facilitate this process.
A key focus of the campaign is the distinction between Web TV and online press. Diallo explained that Web TV is a television service that broadcasts primarily or exclusively over the internet, whereas online visual press combines news articles, photographs, and videos. He emphasized that these categories should not be confused and are subject to different legal requirements. The HAC president also stressed the importance of administrative, communal, and religious authorities collaborating with lawfully authorized media outlets.
Diallo urged public and private structure managers to avoid using services from unauthorized media outlets, particularly certain Web TVs, and to distinguish between communicators' and media professionals' roles. He reiterated that Web TV requires authorization from the Ministry of Communication, following advice from the HAC. The campaign will continue in various prefectures, with HAC commissioners explaining legal conditions for media creation, gathering concerns, and discussing profession-related challenges.
Through this effort, the HAC aims to promote a better understanding of the media's legal framework and contribute to a more professional media landscape that aligns with Guinea's regulations. The campaign targets media professionals, including journalists, radio directors, and online news site managers. By engaging directly with these stakeholders, the HAC hopes to address concerns and provide clarity on the rules governing media operations.
The HAC's initiative comes at a crucial time, as Guinea's media landscape continues to evolve. By establishing clear guidelines and promoting awareness, the HAC seeks to foster a more transparent and accountable media environment. The campaign's success will depend on effective collaboration between the HAC, media professionals, and other stakeholders.
The national awareness campaign will continue in the coming days, with the HAC commissioners visiting different prefectures to engage with media professionals and provide guidance on the legal requirements for media creation and operations. The HAC's efforts aim to promote a culture of professionalism and responsibility within Guinea's media sector.
Key points
- The HAC has deployed commissioners to all 33 prefectures and newly created prefectures to facilitate the awareness campaign.
- The campaign aims to clarify the distinction between Web TV and online press.
- The HAC urges authorities and structure managers to collaborate with lawfully authorized media outlets.
