The rapid growth of online media in Guinea has raised concerns about the respect for journalistic ethics and standards. The Haute autorité de la communication (HAC) has expressed worries about the blurring of lines between professional journalism and communication. Amadou Touré, a commissioner at the HAC, recently clarified the regulations surrounding the creation of media outlets in Guinea. He emphasized the need to distinguish between the work of professional journalists and that of web TV hosts and communicators.
According to Amadou Touré, creating a newspaper or online news site in Guinea requires a prior declaration to the prosecutor. This declaration is necessary before the first publication, and the promoter must receive a récépissé, which serves as authorization. The prosecutor will then send copies of the récépissé to the HAC, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Information and Communication. Touré stressed that operating without a récépissé is considered illegal.
Touré highlighted the importance of treating information before dissemination, a crucial step in journalistic work. He criticized the practices of some web TVs that broadcast images or information directly without prior treatment. This approach, he argued, is different from professional journalism, where journalists collect and treat information before sharing it. The HAC commissioner emphasized that having a good smartphone or internet connection does not make someone a journalist.
The proliferation of web TVs and online news sites has led to concerns about the quality of information being disseminated. Touré noted that some individuals claim to be communicators or journalists but lack the necessary skills and training. He also expressed concern about the rise of "insultologues," individuals who engage in online abuse and insults. The HAC is working to address these issues and ensure that online media outlets adhere to journalistic standards.
Touré drew a distinction between institutional communication and journalism. He noted that institutional communication, such as content published on government or institutional social media pages, is subject to prior treatment and filtering. In contrast, online media outlets are expected to adhere to stricter standards. The HAC commissioner emphasized that having a social media page or website does not exempt one from following journalistic ethics and standards.
The growth of online media in Guinea has significant implications for the country's media landscape. With the rise of web TVs and online news sites, there is a need for greater regulation and oversight to ensure that information is accurate and reliable. The HAC is working to address these challenges and promote a culture of journalistic ethics and standards in Guinea.
As the online media landscape continues to evolve in Guinea, stakeholders are calling for greater awareness and education about journalistic ethics and standards. The HAC and other media regulatory bodies are working to promote a culture of responsible journalism and ensure that online media outlets adhere to best practices. This effort aims to promote a more informed and engaged public discourse in Guinea.
Key points
- The HAC has emphasized the need for online media outlets to adhere to journalistic ethics and standards.
- The creation of online media outlets in Guinea requires a prior declaration to the prosecutor.
- The HAC is working to address concerns about the quality of information being disseminated online.
