Burkina Faso's media regulator has imposed a $350,000 fine on French satellite television service Canal+ for not complying with an order to provide free access to state-owned TV channels. The penalty is four times higher than a previous fine issued in June.

The regulator stated that Canal+ has failed to remove technical barriers that prevent subscribers from accessing unencrypted broadcasts of the state Radiodiffusion Télévision du Burkina, even after their subscriptions expire. Canal+ had been given 30 days to comply with this directive.

Since a military coup in 2022, Burkina Faso's government has suspended most major Western media outlets, including France's RFI radio and France 24 TV channel, and expelled several foreign correspondents. The government has also faced accusations of cracking down on dissent, especially criticism related to its handling of jihadist violence that has affected the country for over a decade.

The fine and regulatory actions reflect ongoing tensions between the Burkinabe authorities and foreign media entities.

Sources