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2 channels
Djibouti’s television landscape is defined by its concise local offering and a heavy reliance on satellite dishes. With just a couple of domestic channels, primarily the state-run Radio Télévision de Djibouti (RTD), the viewing experience at home is markedly different from many of its African neighbors. RTD serves as the primary source for local news, cultural programming, and essential public service announcements, broadcast across the nation's four official languages: French, Arabic, Somali, and Afar. This multilingual approach is integral to daily life, and you'll often hear rapid shifts between them even within a single news bulletin. Given the limited local options, virtually every household in Djibouti turns to satellite television for a broader range of content. French channels, due to the historical ties, are widely consumed, bringing a steady stream of European news, dramas, and documentaries. Equally popular are the myriad Arabic-language channels, offering everything from blockbuster movies and pan-Arab soap operas to 24/7 news cycles. Sports, particularly football, is almost exclusively watched via these international satellite feeds, connecting viewers to leagues from Europe and the Middle East rather than local productions. This blend creates a unique primetime. While RTD might offer local talk shows or traditional music performances, the real draw for many is the latest imported drama, often subtitled in French or Arabic, or occasionally dubbed. There isn't a robust local reality TV scene or a sprawling commercial network battle for ratings. Instead, the focus is on a singular public voice alongside a global smorgasbord, making Djibouti's TV culture a fascinating study in how a small nation navigates its identity and interests through a mix of indigenous languages and abundant foreign broadcasts.