The High Authority of Communication (HAC) in Guinea has initiated a campaign to raise awareness about the conditions for creating, establishing, and operating media outlets in the country. The campaign was launched in Kindia by HAC President Boubacar Yacine Diallo, in the presence of local journalists and media actors. The goal is to educate administrative, communal, and religious authorities, as well as information actors, on the rules governing the creation and operation of classical and online media, social networks, and digital platforms.
The campaign aims to address the disorder that has been observed in the creation of media outlets in recent months. According to President Diallo, many young people have misunderstood the concept of Web TV, leading to the creation of unauthorized outlets. To address this, HAC commissioners will be deployed to all 33 prefectures in Guinea, including newly created ones, to engage with media professionals and authorities. The objective is to explain the legal requirements for creating media outlets and solicit cooperation from authorities to prevent the operation of unauthorized outlets.
During the launch ceremony, President Diallo explained that the campaign will focus on two main objectives. The first is to meet with media professionals and owners of existing media outlets, as well as those who wish to create new ones, to inform them about the legal requirements for media creation. The second objective is to engage with administrative, communal, and religious authorities to explain the importance of regulating the media sector and solicit their support in enforcing the regulations.
The campaign will cover all prefectures in Guinea and will focus on two key areas: Web TV and online press. President Diallo emphasized that Web TV is a normal television that broadcasts exclusively or mainly via the internet, while online press combines articles, photographs, and videos. He noted that many have confused the two concepts, leading to the creation of unauthorized Web TVs. According to Diallo, Web TV requires authorization from the Ministry of Communication, while online press only needs to be declared to the prosecutor.
The HAC aims to strengthen information and awareness among actors to contribute to a better regulation of the Guinean media landscape and the sanitation of the sector. The campaign is expected to help prevent the operation of unauthorized media outlets and promote a more professional media environment. By engaging with authorities and media actors, the HAC hopes to ensure that media outlets operate within the bounds of the law.
The campaign has been welcomed by local media actors, who see it as a positive step towards regulating the media sector. Aboubacar Dramé, a regional correspondent in Kindia, noted that the campaign will help to clarify the legal requirements for media creation and operation. He emphasized that this will help to promote a more professional and responsible media environment in Guinea.
The HAC's initiative is seen as a crucial step towards promoting a more regulated and professional media sector in Guinea. By engaging with authorities and media actors, the HAC aims to ensure that media outlets operate within the bounds of the law and contribute to a more informed and engaged public. The campaign is expected to have a positive impact on the Guinean media landscape and promote a culture of responsible journalism.
Key points
- The HAC campaign aims to regulate media creation and operation in Guinea.
- The campaign will cover all prefectures in Guinea and focus on Web TV and online press.
- The HAC aims to strengthen information and awareness among actors to contribute to a better regulation of the Guinean media landscape.
