Faced with ongoing debates about Ivorian television channels' access to pay-TV packages, the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) has opted for transparency. The regulatory body has published the entire legal framework governing Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and the relationship between free-to-air broadcasters and pay-TV distributors on its official website ( www.haca.ci ).

This initiative offers publishers, advertisers and investors complete visibility into the rules of the game in the Ivorian audiovisual landscape.

The 6 pillars of the new regulatory framework

The system made public by the HACA is structured around six major texts:

1. Order of priority of national channels (Decision No. 2023-001/HACA)

The channel numbering for free-to-air national channels on all packages distributed in Côte d'Ivoire is now fixed. Positions 1 through 7 are reserved, in order, for: RTI 1, RTI 2, LA 3, NCI, A+ Ivoire, LIFE TV, and 7 INFO . Distributors may not change this positioning under any circumstances, thus guaranteeing immediate access for viewers.

2. Protection of national advertising (Decision No. 2023-009/HACA)

To ensure fair competition, the sale of advertising space targeting the Ivorian market is strictly regulated. It is reserved exclusively for channels authorized by the HACA (High Authority for Audiovisual Communication), those operating within the WAEMU (West African Economic and Monetary Union) under license, and broadcasters from Francophone organizations. The objective is to protect local players subject to national taxes from competition from outside the WAEMU.

3. Free admission to major sporting events (Decision No. 2023-010/HACA)

Sporting competitions of general interest (FIFA World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, Olympic Games, etc.) must remain accessible to the widest possible audience. This legislation guarantees their free broadcast on national television channels.

4. Framework for Chain/Distributor relations (Decision No. 2024-003/HACA)

This text forms the basis of negotiations between free-to-air digital terrestrial television (DTT) channels and pay-TV distributors. It regulates the technical quality of the signal, the integrity of the programs, the conditions of sub-distribution, and the promotion of the channels.

5. Signal continuity in case of emergency (Decision No. 2024-004/HACA)

In the event of simultaneous broadcasting of the same event by multiple broadcasters, a backup signal sharing mechanism is in place to prevent any technical interruptions. The HACA acts as the arbiter in case of disputes.

6. Mandatory inclusion of DTT in the satellite (Decree No. 2020-643)

This decree, a founding text of the sector, obliges satellite bouquet operators in Ivory Coast to integrate DTT channels into their basic offers free of charge , without additional cost to the subscriber.

A lever for legal security: By centralizing these documents, the HACA secures the business environment for professionals and investors. This approach strengthens fair competition while protecting the cultural and economic interests of Ivorian television viewers.