Media professionals met in Cotonou on Friday 27 May 2022 for the workshop to validate the proposals of the committee reviewing the founding texts of the media governing bodies.
Media professionals met in Cotonou on Friday 27 May 2022 for the workshop to validate the proposals of the committee reviewing the founding texts of the media governing bodies. The ceremony launching the workshop was attended by Mr Ahmed Sacca YAROU, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, representing the Minister, as well as Mrs Cécile AHOUMENOU, Vice-President of the HAAC (High Authority for Broadcasting and Communication), and the Sales Director of Nobilia Assurance, partner of the event.
The workshop, initiated by the boards of the umbrella organisations, will provide an opportunity to discuss and validate the proposals of the committee responsible for reviewing the founding texts of the media governing bodies. Mrs Zakiath LATOUNDJI, Vice-President of the AS, recalled that a range of expertise had been brought in to review the texts and invited media stakeholders to make an uncompromising diagnosis of the ills undermining the sector. She expressed the hope that the workshop would serve as a springboard for the renewal of the press, so that the Beninese press regains its prestige and contributes to the development of Benin.
Mr Evariste GODONOU, in his capacity as President of the CNPA, stressed that reforms are essential to move forward, as they are at once a mirror and a rear-view mirror from which to look ahead. He took the opportunity to ask the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation and the HAAC to take firm hold of the challenges facing the media sector.
In her message to those present, Mrs Cécile AHOUMENOU welcomed the initiative to revise the texts for a credible, responsible press that respects the press code of ethics.
For his part, Mr Ahmed YAROU reiterated the Ministry’s unwavering support for the work of the workshop and recalled that, in the digital age, it has become imperative to bring the media into line with the spirit of the reforms and the new paradigms.
The workshop’s proceedings were marked by debates among the stakeholders present