Exploitation of Radio and Television Frequencies in Benin: Difficulties on the Horizon

This article explores trends related to the licensing of radio and television stations in Benin. In brief, Biao argues that the 1997 liberalisation of the airwaves has resulted in a venerable glut of private media outlets. Benin has 26 private radio stations and one private television channel. Thirty-five new radio stations and 5 television channels are soon to be licensed by the regulatory body called Haute Autorité de l'audiovisuel et de la communication (HAAC).

In this context, managing the frequency spectrum has become problematic. For example, the television channel La Chaine 2 (LC2) is transmitting illegally on VHF frequencies that were reserved for the sole use of public sector channels. For the moment, the national channel and its private counterpart are sharing the same air space. According to the author, LC2 has refused to give in to injunctions to only use the frequency assigned to it. Admittedly, Biao claims, if LC2 were to concede, some of its viewers would be forced to purchase new antennae and LC2 would have to alter its programme material at a time when the station already appears to be experiencing financial difficulties.

Click here to access the original article (in French) in Le Matinal, dated February 26, 2003.