Burkina Faso Fines Canal+ Again

Burkina Faso’s media watchdog hit a French pay-TV operator, Canal+, with a 200 million CFA franc ($350,000) fine on Wednesday for failing to provide free access to state television channels.

The regulator penalised the broadcaster four times higher than a previous fine in June, citing an ongoing failure to honour broadcast obligations.

Under a 2024 agreement, the military-led government requires Canal+ to keep state broadcaster RTB available to viewers even after their paid subscriptions expire.

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The High Council for Communication (CSC) stated that Canal+ failed to comply with a 30-day deadline following the initial June sanction.

Burkina Faso fines Canal+ again (News Central TV) — Burkina Faso fines Canal+ again. Credit: Reuters

CSC President Louis Modeste Ouedraogo confirmed the escalation, noting the regulator regretfully issued the larger fine after the company ignored the deadline.

Since Captain Ibrahim Traore took power in a 2022 coup, the junta has systematically cracked down on foreign media outlets, suspending French stations and expelling foreign correspondents.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.