Press Relations in Burkina Faso: Succeeding in a Committed but Unstable Media Landscape

Introduction

Do you want to share your message in Burkina Faso and effectively reach the public through local media?
This guide helps you understand the context, identify the most influential channels, and adopt best practices for successful PR campaigns in this West African country.

1. General Context: Between Pluralism and Security Challenges

Burkina Faso has long been praised for its freedom of expression and quality journalism. Home of the late Norbert Zongo, it remains a symbol of media pluralism in Africa.

However, security deterioration due to terrorism in the East and North has complicated journalists' work. Some areas have become difficult to access, limiting field coverage.

Legally, the country has a clear framework, including an information code and laws governing print, online, and audiovisual media.

2. Media Landscape in Burkina Faso

• Radio: dominant medium, widely listened to in urban and rural areas

• Print media: strong presence in major cities

• Television: audiences concentrated in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso

Key data: approximately 86% of media outlets are private, 14% public. Most are concentrated in the two main cities.

Media creation procedures:

• Newspaper: simple declaration to the prosecutor

• Radio: stricter procedure, requiring official authorizations

• Community media: essential in rural areas, often broadcasting in local languages

3. Influential Media in Burkina Faso

Print media

• Sidwaya (public daily)

• Le Pays

• L’Évènement

• Bendré

• L’Indépendant

Radio

• Radio Omega

• Savane FM

• Radio Pulsar

• Radio Liberté

• RTB Radio (public)

Television

• BF1

• RTB Télévision (public)

• Canal 3 Burkina

• LCA Télévision

4. Specifics of PR in Burkina Faso

• Journalist availability: generally open to collaboration, but sensitive to material conditions

• Per diem culture: widely practiced with local terms:

  • Tchop (meal)

  • Gombo (money)

  • Communiqué final (coded term)

• Some journalists refuse it for ethical reasons, but many consider it standard practice

5. Tips for a Successful PR Campaign in Burkina Faso

• Target the right channels: community radios, national press, online media

• Anticipate material expectations, especially in provinces

• Favor direct contacts: calls or WhatsApp more effective than email

• Adapt the message linguistically: French plus summaries in Mooré, Dioula, or Fulfuldé

• Rely on a local intermediary to facilitate communication and avoid missteps

Conclusion

Burkina Faso offers a committed media landscape, yet its instability requires careful preparation. By selecting the right channels, adapting messages culturally and linguistically, and leveraging local intermediaries, organizations can maximize the impact of their PR campaigns.