Media in Benin

Local designations include médias, presse écrite, radiodiffusion sonore, télévision, and médias en ligne. Benin has at least 70 radio stations, about 15 private television stations, approximately 100 newspapers, and around 320 media outlets. The Society of Radio and Television of Benin (Société de Radio et de Télévision du Bénin (SRTB)) operates, among others, Bénin TV, Bénin TV Junior, Radio Bénin, Kiff FM, and Radio Bénin Alafia. Private media and Agence Bénin Presse supplement the offering; La Nation is a state-owned daily newspaper. Available usage data include approximately 72 percent for radio, 46 percent for social networks, 36 percent for television, 29 percent for internet offerings, and 14 percent for the printed press. Social networks are used mainly through mobile internet networks, media websites, livestreams, and platform accounts. No reliable official ranking of individual platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube is available. The High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (Haute Autorité de l’Audiovisuel et de la Communication (HAAC)) is responsible for regulation, complaints, frequencies, licenses, and equal access to official media. Newspapers and periodical press require a publication authorization (Autorisation de paraître); online media submit an authorization application (Demande d’Autorisation) to HAAC. The dossier is submitted as a single PDF file of no more than 10 MB. Radio and television broadcasters undergo selection and authorization procedures. Publications and audiovisual productions may also be subject to legal deposit (dépôt légal). Fees and processing times for a press card are not generally published. ARCEP BENIN is responsible for electronic networks, internet access, and tariffs. At the end of 2025, there were 10,814,141 active mobile internet subscriptions and 95,354 FTTH connections. Named providers include SPACETEL BENIN, MOOV AFRICA BENIN, and CELTIIS. Example tariffs from September 2025 were 25 FCFA for approximately 16 to 17 MB for 24 hours, 100 FCFA for approximately 70 to 125 MB for 24 hours, and 1,000 FCFA for approximately 850 to 1,434 MB for seven days. Data costs, network coverage, and suitable devices limit access more strongly than the small fixed-line offering. Streaming appears legally as an on-demand audiovisual media service (service de médias audiovisuels à la demande). Practical access is provided by SRTB webcasts and digital offerings as well as Canal+ packages through MTN CANAL+, connected decoders, and replay functions. The official sources reviewed do not identify an independent local streaming platform or a separate streaming regulator. For digital television and radio, digital broadcasting coverage is considered a universal service; HAAC manages frequencies, multiplexes, providers, and distribution operators. A new selection of private radio and television providers was announced for 2026. Article 24 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of the press. The CDEM requires media, among other things, to conduct research, identify sources, present information objectively, and refrain from sensationalism, calls for hatred or violence, and glorification of terrorism. Artificial content, reconstructions, archive images, fake live depictions, and comparable formats must be identified. The 2015 Press Law governs freedom of information and communication, media establishment, and the right of reply. The 2017 Digital Law, amended in 2021, may create additional legal risks for online content. Foreign texts, images, music, and audiovisual excerpts may be used only with appropriate permission or a license. BUBEDRA is responsible for copyright and related rights. APDP protects personal data and enables, among other things, access, copying, objection, rectification, updating, blocking, or deletion; complaints can be filed there and, where applicable, with a court. For images or reports about minors, Article 15 of the CDEM requires the consent of a parent or guardian. Depictions of violence and obscenity involving minors should be avoided. Bénin TV Junior is a public offering for younger viewers; no separate national youth media ombudsman's office is identified. Media can be accessed or overseen through HAAC online complaints, public broadcasts, election coverage, and professional accreditation. Special rules applied to the parliamentary and municipal elections of 11 January 2026; the pre-election period ran from 8 October to 26 December 2025. HAAC monitors balance, equality, ethics, and access to news and campaigns. Formally guaranteed press freedom faces practical risks, including economically fragile newsrooms, a narrow advertising market, political or commercial pressure, self-censorship, and temporary blocking of newspapers, news websites, or news accounts. Reporting in northern Benin may involve additional risks because of the security situation and access constraints.