Broadcasting and publishing content in unauthorised formats will now be punished in Chad, the High Authority for Media and Audiovisual, has warned.
After months of warnings, the High Authority for the Media and Audiovisual (HAMA) in Njamena has taken action.
In a decision issued on December 4, the authority threatened to revoke the licence of any private online or print media that broadcast content in unauthorised formats.
According to the regulator, as a result of the liberalisation of communication and information tools, media outlets are publishing or broadcasting content in formats for which they are not authorised.
As a result, printed newspapers are publishing online and or audiovisual content and online media are broadcasting audiovisual content. All of this is contrary to the provisions of Law 20 of 18 January 2019, which regulates audiovisual communication in Chad.
In accordance with this law, the Hama has decided to prohibit the media from publishing and broadcasting “non-original content for which they are not authorised.”
Specifically, online and print media wishing to broadcast audiovisual elements on their platforms must apply for new accreditation from the Hama.
In addition to this measure, the Hama has drawn the media’s attention to the coverage of the campaign for the parliamentary and local elections, which are due to begin on December 7.
In a statement issued on December 5, 2024, the President of Hama, Abderamane Barka Abdoulaye Doningar, called on the public and private media to cover the campaign fairly.
He insisted that the principles of fairness, impartiality and pluralism be respected.
The regulatory body has also decided to suspend interactive broadcasts for the duration of the campaign. Abderaman Barka-Abdoulaye Doningar said this was to prevent any excesses.
CA/sf/te/lb/gik/APA