Media in Benin: Clément Adéchian takes the helm of the CNPA and promises to “empower media owners”

The list led by the media promoter was the only one submitted to the presidium. It was approved by acclamation by the members of the general assembly. Clément Adéchian thus takes charge of a 19-member board for a five-year term, until 2031.

His election comes after a term marked, according to the outgoing board, by advocacy actions, institutional compliance, dialogue with the High Authority of Audiovisual and Communication, and the defense of the economic interests of media companies.

The new president refrained from making numerous promises. Instead, he emphasized the economic viability of media. “I am not here to make grand promises,” he stated, before outlining his priority: “to truly enable media owners to feel like the owners of their businesses.”

“One is not a media owner simply because one has a bag and a business registration”

Clément Adéchian stressed the need to place the business at the center of media ownership. “We are media owners because we run a business. We are not media owners just because we have a bag and a business registration inside,” he declared before the attendees.

For him, economic issues will be central during his term. “A business means that you produce, and when you balance your expenses, you generate a profit,” he continued.

The new president aims to work on reorganizing the economic model of Beninese media outlets. “How can we redirect and reorganize ourselves towards a reliable media business today? That is what I will need to focus on and build with the members of my board,” he explained.

He also paid tribute to the outgoing team, referring to their “Herculean work” accomplished over the past two terms in a profoundly transformed media environment.

A profession facing funding challenges

The activity report presented during the general assembly highlighted efforts made for the economic viability of companies, the defense of press freedom, solidarity among professionals, mobilization of funding, and dialogue with public authorities.

However, the financial report underscored the ongoing funding difficulties faced by CNPA Benin, as several projects remain open for media companies.

The president of the Union of Media Professionals of Benin expressed confidence in the new board and called for strengthened collaboration between media owners and professionals in the sector.

Clément Adéchian is already familiar with the organization. Previous CNPA documents mention him as a former official of the organization. He is also a media promoter and has worked in print media as a publishing director.