Senegal live TV

About TV in Senegal

Senegal's television landscape is compact but distinct. With only 9 channels, the market is dominated by the state broadcaster RTS (Radio Télévision Sénégalaise), which offers a mix of news, cultural programming, and entertainment in both French and Wolof. Wolof, the lingua franca spoken by over 80% of the population, often shares airtime with French in news bulletins, talk shows, and dramas, a bilingualism that reflects daily life. Primetime leans heavily on local programming: political debates, music shows featuring mbalax (Senegal's signature dance rhythm), and religious content. Islamic programming is particularly strong, with dedicated channels airing Quranic recitations, sermons by popular marabouts, and call-in shows for religious guidance. Given the small number of channels, many households supplement with satellite or online streaming. Uniquely, Senegal's TV culture prioritizes music and education: music channels showcase mbalax and sabar drumming, while educational channels provide formal lessons in math, science, and languages, a holdover from the 1990s reforms. Unlike neighbors in Francophone West Africa, Senegal's TV output feels more organic and less imported; local production is robust, and French-dubbed telenovelas take a backseat to homegrown dramas like *Maitres d'école* or *Sakho & Mangane*. The result is a small but proudly Senegalese screen. Live sports, especially football and wrestling, are major draws, with commentary often switching between French and Wolof mid-sentence.