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1 channels
Gambia’s television landscape is one of the smallest in Africa: just two channels, both general-interest and broadcasting in English. The state-owned Gambia Radio and Television Service (GRTS) is the dominant player, carrying news bulletins that are notably formal and government-aligned, with a slower pacing than commercial broadcasts elsewhere. The second channel, private and relatively new, offers a mix of Nigerian soap operas, Senegalese dramas, and local talk shows that feel more relaxed. Local-language programming is sparse but present, occasional news segments in Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, or Jola appear on GRTS, usually slotted into weekends. Primetime is modest, with most households tuning in after sunset for the national news at 8 p.m., then switching to regional satellite channels from Senegal or Nigeria. Dubbing and subtitling are minimal; imported content runs in English or with simple voiceovers. Live sports are a draw, English Premier League matches and local wrestling bouts generate the highest ratings. What sets Gambia apart from its Senegalese neighbor is the sheer scarcity: fewer channels means tighter curation, but also a heavier reliance on relays from larger markets. Still, the local culture of radio remains stronger than TV, especially in rural areas where battery-powered sets outnumber televisions.