Somalia – State Media Monitor

Somali National Television (SNTV)

State Media Monitor — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 05:55:00 +0000

Somali National Television (Telefishinka Qaranka Soomaaliyeed, SNTV) is Somalia’s flagship public broadcaster, originally launched in 1983 with significant support from international donors. After a two-decade hiatus following the collapse of President Siad Barre’s regime in 1991, SNTV was relaunched in 2011 amid efforts to re-establish national media infrastructure. The revival of the station was strategically framed as a counterweight to extremist propaganda, particularly from the Islamist militant group Al Shabab. Today, SNTV broadcasts across Somalia and to the Somali diaspora via satellite, serving as one of the country’s primary sources of official information.

Media assets

Television: SNTV

State Media Matrix Typology

Ownership and governance

SNTV is a state-owned broadcaster under the direct oversight of the Federal Government of Somalia. Legally structured as a government entity, the channel functions effectively as an arm of the Ministry of Information, which holds full authority over its strategic direction, appoints its executive leadership, and retains control over editorial decision-making. In practice, the broadcaster operates more as a department within the ministry than as an independent media institution.

Source of funding and budget

While detailed financial information remains undisclosed, Somali media experts confirm that SNTV is entirely reliant on state funding for its core operations. Over the years, the broadcaster has also received considerable support from international donors, particularly in the form of infrastructure development, equipment upgrades, and capacity-building programs for its journalists. These contributions, however, have not translated into structural reform or increased financial transparency.

Editorial independence

Despite sustained international efforts to enhance SNTV’s editorial capacity and professional standards, the broadcaster remains firmly under government control. According to both local journalists and international observers interviewed for this project (in 2023, 2024 and 2025), editorial interference is routine. It is not uncommon for high-ranking officials to place direct calls to newsroom editors or station managers with instructions on how to cover—or not cover—specific stories.

Somalia currently lacks a statutory framework or independent regulatory authority capable of safeguarding editorial independence. As such, SNTV continues to function more as a mouthpiece for the government than as a platform for impartial public service journalism.

June 2025

Radio Mogadishu

State Media Monitor — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 05:59:00 +0000

Radio Mogadishu, one of the oldest media institutions in Somalia, traces its origins back to the colonial era when it began broadcasting in both Somali and Italian—the language of its former colonizers. Following Somalia’s independence in 1960, the station broadened its linguistic outreach by adding programs in Amharic and Oromo, signaling a pan-Horn regional ambition. However, operations came to a halt in 1991 with the outbreak of the civil war. After a prolonged silence, the station re-emerged in the early 2000s and has since expanded its news coverage to include Arabic and English, aiming to reach both regional audiences and the Somali diaspora.

Media assets

Radio: Radio Mogadishu

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

Radio Mogadishu is a state-run broadcaster under the direct authority of the Federal Government of Somalia. The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism oversees its operations, appoints its leadership, and controls strategic and editorial decisions. On official government platforms, the station is listed as a department within the ministry, reflecting its status as an extension of state communication rather than an independent media outlet.

Source of funding and budget

There is no publicly disclosed data on the station’s operational budget. Nevertheless, local media professionals and international observers confirmed in interviews for this project that Radio Mogadishu is entirely funded by the federal government. Occasional international donor support—primarily through training and equipment grants—has supplemented government funding, but these contributions have not significantly altered the broadcaster’s institutional framework or financial transparency.

Editorial independence

Radio Mogadishu has long been associated with government-aligned messaging, a legacy that continues to shape its editorial character. Despite modernization efforts and external training initiatives, the station remains heavily focused on covering political affairs through a pro-government lens. Editorial interference from political authorities is widely reported, and there is little evidence of structural safeguards that would insulate the newsroom from such influence.

As of mid-2025, Somalia still lacks a legal framework or independent regulatory body to guarantee the editorial independence of state media. In the absence of statutory protections or oversight mechanisms, Radio Mogadishu functions less as a public service broadcaster and more as a government mouthpiece.

June 2025

Dalka Journal

State Media Monitor — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 06:02:00 +0000

Dalka Journal (Wargeyska Dalka) is one of Somalia’s longest-running state-owned print publications, managed directly by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. As a government mouthpiece, it plays a central role in disseminating official narratives and public announcements, both domestically and to the Somali diaspora.

Media assets

Publishing: Dalka

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

Dalka Journal is fully owned and operated by the Federal Government of Somalia. The publication functions under the auspices of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, which exercises full oversight over its operations. The ministry appoints editorial leadership, determines strategic direction, and incorporates the journal within its official administrative structure and budgetary planning.

Source of funding and budget

The journal’s exact budget remains opaque, with no public figures disclosed. However, Somali journalists and international media experts interviewed for this report in January 2025 affirm that Dalka is primarily funded through public resources, with financial backing provided by the Ministry of Information. In addition to government funding, the paper earns modest commercial revenue through advertising services and paid notices submitted by private-sector actors—typically announcements, legal notices, and tenders. These revenues, however, represent a supplementary stream rather than a sustainable business model.

Editorial independence

Editorial independence at Dalka Journal is virtually non-existent. The publication is widely regarded as a vehicle for government communication, tasked with amplifying official positions and policy updates. Its editorial line consistently aligns with the political interests of the federal authorities.

Somalia lacks a statutory framework to ensure the independence of public media outlets, and no external regulatory body monitors the editorial integrity of state publications. In the absence of legal safeguards or institutional checks, Dalka functions less as a journalistic outlet and more as an official bulletin board for government messaging.

June 2025

Somali News Agency (SONNA)

State Media Monitor — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 14:45:00 +0000

The Somali National News Agency (SONNA) was established in 1964 as Somalia’s official wire service, with a mandate to gather and disseminate news across the country and beyond. Following the outbreak of civil war in 1991, the agency was forced into dormancy for nearly two decades. In 2012, SONNA was revived as part of broader efforts to rebuild the country’s public communication infrastructure and reassert state authority over national information channels.

Media assets

News agency: SONNA

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

SONNA is fully owned and operated by the Federal Government of Somalia. It functions as a department within the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, which exercises direct control over its strategic, administrative, and editorial operations. The ministry appoints SONNA’s leadership and makes all key decisions, reinforcing its status as an instrument of government communication rather than an autonomous news agency.

Source of funding and budget

As of mid-2025, there are no publicly disclosed figures detailing SONNA’s annual budget. Local journalists and international media analysts confirm that the agency is entirely funded by the federal government, with no known sources of independent revenue. While foreign donors have provided sporadic support for training and infrastructure over the years, this has not resulted in greater financial transparency or editorial autonomy.

Editorial independence

SONNA operates squarely under government control, with its editorial output closely aligned with official narratives. Coverage tends to emphasize government achievements, policy updates, and political leadership activities, often at the expense of critical or investigative journalism. According to media professionals working in and around Somalia interviewed for this report in January 2025, editorial directives are routinely issued from within the Ministry, and the agency rarely, if ever, deviates from the official line.

Somalia lacks a statutory framework or independent regulatory mechanism to guarantee the editorial independence of state-run media. In this context, SONNA remains, in practice, a state propaganda tool rather than a neutral news service.

June 2025

Somaliland National Television (SLNTV)

State Media Monitor — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 06:08:00 +0000

Somaliland National Television (SLNTV) is the state-run television broadcaster of Somaliland, a self-declared republic that operates independently but remains internationally recognized as part of Somalia. Launched in 2005, SLNTV is headquartered in Hargeisa, the capital and largest city of the territory. Its programming is predominantly focused on domestic news, cultural affairs, and political developments within Somaliland.

Media assets

Television: SLNTV

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

SLNTV was established by ministerial decree and falls under the direct jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information and National Guidance. The station’s top leadership is appointed personally by the Minister, and the channel operates as a fully integrated department within the Ministry. This tight administrative structure leaves little room for operational autonomy or independent governance.

Source of funding and budget

While no official budget documents detailing SLNTV’s finances are publicly available, both local media professionals and international experts interviewed for this project confirm that the broadcaster is entirely state-funded.

Editorial independence

SLNTV’s editorial line is closely aligned with the political agenda of the Somaliland government. Local journalists and media analysts routinely characterize it as a propaganda tool, primarily used to reinforce the ruling party’s messaging and suppress dissenting narratives. The channel’s coverage tends to emphasize governmental achievements and downplay criticism or opposition activity.

As of mid-2025, there is no domestic legal framework or independent oversight mechanism in Somaliland to guarantee SLNTV’s editorial independence. In the absence of statutory safeguards or public accountability measures, the broadcaster continues to operate as a de facto communications arm of the executive.

June 2025

Radio Hargeysa

State Media Monitor — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 06:12:00 +0000

Radio Hargeysa, established in 1943 under the British Somaliland Protectorate, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest radio stations in the Horn of Africa. Operating from the capital city of Hargeisa, it remains a cornerstone of the Somaliland government’s communication apparatus, primarily broadcasting news, cultural programming, and political messaging in Somali.

Media assets

Radio: Radio Hargeysa

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

Radio Hargeysa is fully owned and operated by the Government of Somaliland and functions under the direct control of the Ministry of Information and National Guidance. The ministry not only oversees the station’s strategic direction but also appoints its senior management, reinforcing its identity as a government department rather than an independent public broadcaster.

Source of funding and budget

There is no publicly disclosed breakdown of Radio Hargeysa’s funding sources. However, according to both local media practitioners and international experts familiar with Somalia and Somaliland interviewed for this project, the station is entirely state-funded. While it may generate occasional revenue through public announcements or advertising, these streams are negligible compared to the operational support provided by the government. No independent financial audits or detailed budget statements for the station have been made available.

Editorial independence

Radio Hargeysa is widely regarded as a government mouthpiece, frequently criticized for operating more as a platform for official propaganda than as a public interest broadcaster. Its editorial line closely mirrors the political agenda of the ruling administration, offering limited space for dissenting voices or independent journalism.

As of mid-2025, no statutory framework exists to guarantee editorial independence, and there is no external regulatory mechanism to ensure accountability or oversight. In the absence of legal safeguards, Radio Hargeysa remains firmly under the thumb of the state, its newsroom shaped by political directives rather than journalistic principles.

June 2025

Somaliland News Agency (SOLNA)

State Media Monitor — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:58:00 +0000

Somaliland News Agency (SOLNA) was established in 2007 as the official wire service of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland. Its core mandate is to collect and disseminate news content for the government’s media ecosystem. SOLNA plays a central role in shaping and boosting the state’s public communication efforts.

Media assets

News agency: SOLNA

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

SOLNA operates as an administrative department within the Ministry of Information and National Guidance. The Ministry exercises full control over the agency’s leadership, operations, and editorial agenda, with senior managers appointed directly by the Minister. As such, SOLNA is effectively an arm of the executive, functioning under close political supervision.

Source of funding and budget

No specific financial data has been made publicly available regarding SOLNA’s annual budget. However, both local media actors and international analysts with experience in Somaliland interviewed for this project confirm that the agency is entirely funded through government subsidies. There is no indication of commercial revenue generation or independent financial management, and the agency’s budget is embedded within broader ministry allocations, rendering it opaque to public scrutiny.

Editorial independence

In practice, SOLNA functions as a government mouthpiece, tasked with generating and distributing content that supports state policy, promotes national narratives, and showcases government achievements. According to local journalists and international observers interviewed for this project in May 2024 and January 2025, the agency is widely perceived as a tool for political communication rather than an independent journalistic entity.

As of mid-2025, no domestic legal framework exists to guarantee editorial autonomy for SOLNA. Moreover, there is no independent regulatory body overseeing the agency’s operations or safeguarding against political interference. In the absence of such mechanisms, SOLNA remains squarely under government control, with little room for critical reporting or independent verification of its content.

June 2025

Dawan Media Group (DMG)

State Media Monitor — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:07:00 +0000

Dawan Media Group (DMG) is the official print media consortium of the Somaliland government. Established in 1998 under the name Mandeeq Media Group, it was later rebranded as DMG and has since expanded into a multilingual publishing house. Today, it operates several key state-aligned publications, including Dawan (in Somali), The Horn Tribune (in English), and Alqaran (in Arabic), all serving as conduits for official communication and public outreach.

Media assets

Newspapers: Dawan, The Horn Tribune, Alqaran

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

DMG is operated as a fully state-controlled media entity. It functions under the authority of the Ministry of Information and National Guidance, which retains full control over its governance. The Ministry appoints the editorial and administrative leadership, and the group is treated institutionally as a government body rather than an independent media house.

Source of funding and budget

As of mid-2025, no detailed financial disclosures have been made available regarding DMG’s operations. According to both local journalists and international media experts consulted for this assessment, DMG is primarily financed through public funds, with its core budget allocated from the Ministry of Information. While limited advertising and service revenues may be generated, these are marginal compared to its reliance on state subsidies.

Editorial independence

Dawan Media Group operates as a mouthpiece for the Somaliland government, with its publications overwhelmingly reflecting official perspectives. Editorial content is widely perceived to echo government positions, with little space afforded to critical journalism, opposition viewpoints, or independent analysis.

There is no legal framework in Somaliland that guarantees editorial autonomy for publicly funded media outlets. Furthermore, no independent regulatory body exists to oversee the editorial practices of DMG’s publications. As a result, the group remains tightly tethered to the state’s political interests, reinforcing its role as a tool of government communication rather than a forum for diverse public discourse.

June 2025