• Review finds most online outlets operate illegally under current framework
  
  
• New Media Code aims to boost standards, licensing rules, and accountability
  

Gabon’s Minister of Communication and Media, Paul-Marie Gondjout, met with the High Authority for Communication (HAC) on Friday, November 14, to begin talks on overhauling the country’s media laws. The meeting marks an important step toward building a modern legal framework suited to today’s media environment.

During the session with HAC councilors, the authority presented a review of Gabon’s media

landscape. The report noted the large number of broadcasters, print outlets and online platforms, many of which operate without authorization. The findings underscored the need for stronger regulation.

Participants discussed the measures needed to clarify the legal status of media professionals, set clear rules for creating and licensing outlets and tighten oversight of broadcast content.

Minister Gondjout said adopting a new Media Code is a top legislative priority. He added that the reform aims to raise professional standards, improve accountability and build a consistent legal framework that can strengthen the reliability and transparency of information in Gabon.

The push for reform comes amid a heavily imbalanced media sector. In 2023, the HAC identified about 130 illegal online news sites out of 160 listed nationwide. According to local media, only 22 online outlets were operating in compliance with the current law governing the establishment of news organizations.

Félicien Houindo Lokossou