20 channels
Ivorian television is dominated by the state broadcaster RTI (Radiodiffusion Télévision Ivoirienne), which operates several channels covering general programming, news, and culture. The landscape is small with just 27 channels, but it's lively and distinct. Religious channels are notably strong, evangelical and Catholic networks run dedicated slots throughout the day, reflecting the country's deep Christian and Muslim coexistence. Entertainment and general channels fill primetime with Ivorian-made telenovelas, variety shows, and music programs highlighting coupé-décalé and zouglou, local genres that rarely get airtime outside the region. News bulletins on RTI and private stations tend to be formal, delivered in standard French, but local language segments (Dioula, Baoulé, Bété) appear in cultural magazines. Dubbing is standard: imported series and films arrive in French from Paris, but football matches, especially the Africa Cup of Nations, get local commentary that's exuberant and partisan. Primetime starts early, around 20:00, because power outages sometimes push schedules earlier. Unlike its neighbors Ghana or Nigeria, Ivory Coast has no major English-language influence; the market stays firmly Francophone, with a smaller number of channels but a higher proportion of homegrown religious and cultural content.
