Online Newspapers, Live TV Channels, Radios

The media outlets in Benin is considered as the most vibrant media. In fact, media freedom, in the country, is ensured by the government but in some points, the media outlets are to undergo unwanted situations. Libel suits are lodged against journalists of media outlets. But the state has a liberal attitude towards the media. Even the media outlets are allowed to criticize the government for their mistakes. And often they also criticize the opposition leaders. This is a common trend of the media outlets to point the mistakes for both the government and the opposition parties to make a balance.

The mainstream media outlets of the country are formed in a participation of print, broadcast and online media. But the broadcast media, particularly radio, is more popular among the other types of media. Majority of the people in the country love to listen to programs on radio and they have less access to television. The number of newspaper readership is lower than the neighbors.

This has happened for the poor infrastructure of the country. The ongoing poverty is another reason. Besides, people have less access to some specific media outlets. And the media outlets are unable to shine for a small and competitive advertising market. In fact, the media outlets do not get the right amount of advertisement for their survival. On the other sides, the libel laws are also contributing the media outlets to refrain from their natural activities. At times, the media contents might turn offensive to some specific people or groups and in that case, the outlets are severely harassed.

The press of this state gained freedom with the transition to democracy. Earlier, the media outlets were subject to the domination of the government and they had less control over the contents. But with the passage of time, they are not independent in terms of press freedom.

At present, there are over 10 newspapers are available across the country and some of them are old enough. They come with different types of media contents. But the readership of the newspapers is not an expected level. Most of the newspapers are published in daily basis while some other have different publication times. The newspapers have a self-censorship and they do not publish news and views that go against the government to respect the constitution.

Benin has a single state-run television channels and the remaining others run on commercial basis. They provide a wide range of programs and events. Television is the second greatest source of entertainment for the local population in the country. They use the television to pass their leisurely hours after the hard working day. And the television channels broadcast their programs using various languages including English.

Radio is another important media outlet in the country and it owns a state-run national radio. The remaining radios are commercial. They come with various types of events and shows. People mostly listen to radio stations to get updated news and information. In fact, this is the greatest source of information for the local people and they have easy access to the device.

The populations of the country have also access to the internet. But they use the internet for their social communication. A certain group of people uses the internet to know about the national and international news and events. But there are less local websites available containing news and information.