The Haute Autorité de l'Audiovisuel et de la Communication (HAAC) in Benin has issued a reminder to media outlets in the country to respect their legal deposit obligations. According to the regulatory authority, some media houses have been found to be violating the regulations. The HAAC stated that its services had observed that some newspapers do not adhere to the declared periodicity during registration or in case of changes.
The HAAC President, Édouard Loko, released a communiqué on October 1, 2026, highlighting the issue. He mentioned that media outlets are classified based on their declared periodicity, which determines their publication frequency. This classification is crucial for the publication's legal status and subsequent declaratory obligations. Loko emphasized that the classification includes dailies, weeklies, bi-weeklies, monthly, and bi-monthly publications.
The HAAC has observed that some media outlets deposit multiple copies of the same newspaper with different characteristics on the same day. The regulatory body found several irregularities, including distinct issue numbers, varying formats (A4 or tabloid), substantially different editorial content, and different publication dates mentioned at the bottom of the pages.
These practices, according to the HAAC, create confusion regarding the identification of the actual edition published and compromise the reliability and traceability of the legal deposit. The authority has urged media outlet owners and publication directors to refrain from such practices. Édouard Loko called on them to ensure that the copies submitted for legal deposit match the edition actually circulated to the public.
The HAAC's reminder is based on the provisions of articles 62, 63, and 183 of the Code de l'Information et de la Communication. The regulatory body is keen on ensuring that media outlets operate within the established legal framework. By doing so, the HAAC aims to maintain transparency and accountability in the country's media landscape.
Media outlets in Benin are required to declare their periodicity during registration and adhere to it. The HAAC's classification of publications based on their periodicity is an essential aspect of regulating the media industry. The authority's efforts are geared towards promoting a fair and responsible media environment in the country.
The HAAC's call to action emphasizes the importance of compliance with legal deposit regulations. Media outlets must ensure that their publications align with their declared periodicity and that the copies submitted for legal deposit are accurate and consistent. By adhering to these regulations, media outlets can maintain their credibility and contribute to a well-regulated media industry in Benin.
Key points
- The HAAC has urged Benin's media outlets to respect their legal deposit obligations and adhere to their declared periodicity.
- The regulatory body has observed irregularities in the deposit of multiple copies of the same newspaper with different characteristics.
- The HAAC aims to promote transparency and accountability in the country's media landscape by ensuring compliance with established regulations.
