On October 30, 2026, Boubacar Yacine Diallo, President of Guinea's High Authority of Communication (HAC), addressed the newly elected executive bureau of the Federation of Press Associations of Guinea (FEPAP-GUI). The meeting took place at the HAC headquarters in Kaloum. Diallo emphasized the need for collaboration between the regulatory body and the press patronage, which he considers a privileged interlocutor. He welcomed the FEPAP-GUI delegation with great interest and engagement.
Diallo highlighted the importance of professionalizing journalists and press enterprises. He also raised concerns about the distribution of state subsidies to the press. The HAC president noted that many journalists have become press patrons, despite working alone. This phenomenon has led to difficulties in allocating state subsidies. Diallo stressed that assaining the press sector requires addressing both journalists and media outlets.
The HAC president outlined three key areas of focus for collaboration with FEPAP-GUI. Firstly, he emphasized the need to professionalize the press sector. Secondly, he highlighted the challenges posed by the evolution of information and communication technologies. Finally, he called for better protection of legally established media against unfair competition from non-professional actors on social media.
Diallo warned that traditional press may collapse if it fails to adapt to the changing media landscape. He urged FEPAP-GUI to help legally established media resist unfair competition from non-professionals who have gained notoriety online. The HAC president emphasized that press patrons should have employees and assume responsibilities.
The meeting between HAC and FEPAP-GUI aimed to strengthen collaboration and address common challenges. Diallo considered the press patronage a key partner in promoting press professionalism. He expressed his willingness to work with FEPAP-GUI to address the challenges facing the press sector.
Guinea's press sector faces significant challenges, including the proliferation of non-professional journalists and media outlets. The HAC president stressed the need for a more professional and sustainable press sector. He urged all stakeholders to work together to address these challenges and promote a more vibrant and diverse media landscape.
The FEPAP-GUI executive bureau was elected to represent the interests of press associations in Guinea. The federation aims to promote press professionalism and advocate for the rights of press patrons. The meeting with HAC marked a significant step towards strengthening collaboration between the regulatory body and the press patronage.
Key points
- Boubacar Yacine Diallo urges caution on press professionalism to prevent traditional press from collapsing.
