Media assets

Television: RTS1, RTS2, RTS3, RTS4, RTS5

Radio: Nationale, Thies, Mbacke, Kaolack, Kolda, Ziguinchor, Dakar FM, Matam, RSI

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

RTS was established under Law No. 92-02 of 1992, taking the baton from the former state broadcaster ORTS, which had been in operation since 1973. The governance of RTS rests with a Management Council composed of 12 members representing various government ministries. The Director General, who holds the reins of the organization, is appointed by the President of Senegal. The broadcaster operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Communication, reflecting its close ties to the state apparatus.

Pape Alé Niang was appointed as the Director General (CEO) of Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise (RTS) on April 24, 2024, replacing Racine Talla.

Source of funding and budget

RTS’s financial backbone is a blend of license fees—collected from households via their electricity bills—state subsidies, and advertising revenues. Industry insiders estimate the broadcaster’s annual budget to be around XOF 11.3 billion (approximately US$20.8 million).

In March 2024, a presidential decree introduced a new funding mechanism aimed at providing RTS with a steadier stream of income. This includes an audiovisual fee of 0.7% levied on Senegal’s national electricity provider, SENELEC, calculated based on annual electricity consumption. The intent behind this move is to help RTS reduce its dependence on direct government subsidies and, in turn, strengthen its financial footing.

As of mid-2025, RTS has been making strides to keep pace with the evolving media environment. Investments in cutting-edge technology and staff training are helping the broadcaster sharpen its competitive edge, particularly in sports broadcasting where advanced replay and slow-motion capabilities are being enhanced. Additionally, RTS is expanding its regional presence, with plans to roll out new radio and television stations in key cities such as Mbour, Louga, and Saint-Louis, ensuring a wider reach across the country.

Editorial independence

RTS’s editorial stance has often been viewed through the lens of its close relationship with the government. The composition of the Management Council and the presidential appointment of the Director General are seen as factors that influence the broadcaster’s editorial direction.

To date, there is no formal legal framework or independent oversight body in place to guarantee editorial independence or to provide external assessments of the broadcaster’s content.

July 2024

Media assets

Publishing: Le Soleil

State Media Matrix

Captured Public/State-Managed or State-Owned (CaPu)

Ownership and governance

Initially incorporated as a limited liability company, SSPP underwent a major structural shift in 1983 when it was transformed into a publicly owned enterprise. Today, the Government of Senegal holds the controlling stake in the company, with several public institutions and parastatal bodies retaining minor shareholdings. SSPP operates under the administrative supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Communication.

As of mid-2025, governance at SSPP remains a subject of scrutiny. The tenure of former Director General Yakham Mbaye—long criticized for mismanagement and antagonistic labor relations—ended in early June 2024 following escalating tensions. Staff had publicly accused Mbaye of abusive behavior, arbitrary salary cuts, and verbal harassment, leading to a significant erosion of internal morale and institutional credibility.

In June 2024, Lamine Niang was appointed Director General of Le Soleil with a mandate to usher in a new era of modernization. A seasoned manager with prior experience in public media reform, Niang committed to digitizing Le Soleil’s content operations and revamping its aging IT systems. His stated goal is to diversify revenue streams and enhance operational transparency while adapting to the challenges of a digital-first news environment. As of June 2025, these reforms are underway, though no official audit of their impact has yet been released.

On 26 March 2025, Mame Birame Wathie, formerly with Groupe Walfadjri, was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors (PCA) of SSPP  by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This new appointment signals a strategic refresh of the board at the national press house.

Source of funding and budget

SSPP’s revenue model is based on a hybrid structure comprising print sales, advertising income, and a recurring government subsidy. While the precise proportion of state funding in its total annual revenue remains opaque, there is no confirmed evidence that the subsidy constitutes the majority of SSPP’s income. However, local media observers interviewed for this report in May 2025 suggest that the company’s financial dependence on the state remains significant, particularly in light of declining newspaper sales and the slow pace of digital monetization.

Editorial independence

Concerns over editorial autonomy at Le Soleil persist. Interviews conducted with Senegalese media professionals and experts in April 2024 reveal a consensus: the newspaper’s editorial line is tightly aligned with government messaging. Critics argue that Le Soleil functions less as a watchdog and more as a mouthpiece for state interests.

These observations are consistent with earlier assessments by the Media Foundation for West Africa and more recent evaluations by Freedom House, which highlighted Le Soleil’s growing pro-Beijing editorial slant. The publication frequently reproduces content favorable to the Chinese government, a trend viewed by some as part of broader diplomatic and economic rapprochement between Dakar and Beijing.

Notably, there is no statutory guarantee or oversight framework in place to safeguard the editorial independence of Le Soleil. The absence of an external regulatory mechanism or public service charter further entrenches executive influence over its editorial line.

June 2025

Media assets

News agency: APS

Publishing: APS Hebdo

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

APS was created by government order no. 59-054 in 1959 as a public establishment with an industrial and commercial character. In 2019, the agency’s status was revised to that of a “national company.” It remains accountable to the Ministry of Culture and Communication, reflecting its continued integration within the state media framework.

Source of funding and budget

The agency’s financial resources come mainly from a state subsidy. Local experts interviewed for this report in May 2025 estimated APS’s annual budget at approximately XOF 400 million (around US$740,000).

Staff members have voiced concerns over the years about the stagnant budget, noting that the subsidy has not been increased despite inflation and rising operational costs. The broader fiscal environment in 2025 is characterized by government efforts to tighten public spending, as reflected in the 2025 rectified finance law and revised budget forecasts for 2026–2028, which may limit prospects for increased funding.

Editorial independence

APS’s editorial line is widely regarded as closely aligned with government positions. The agency’s management traditionally maintains close ties with the ruling party, and its coverage generally reflects official government narratives.

There is no legal framework or independent oversight mechanism in place to guarantee or assess editorial independence. International organizations, including Freedom House, have noted APS’s role in disseminating government and, at times, Chinese state-aligned messaging.

June 2025