Gambia, The
State-run Gambia Television and Radio Gambia broadcast tightly-controlled news. Private media are severely restricted, with radio stations and newspapers having to pay large license fees. A media bill passed in March 2002 was considered as a threat to press freedom. The law set up a commission whose powers range from issuing licenses to jailing journalists. In 2004, further legislation was introduced allowing for jail terms for journalists found guilty of libel or sedition.
Press: The Observer is a daily newspaper in English. Other publications include The Independent, Foroyaa (bi-weekly) and The Point (thrice-weekly).
Television: The government operates the only national television station, Gambia Television; Premium TV Network is private satellite channel.
Radio: State-run national broadcaster Radio Gambia transmits programs in English and local languages. Private stations include Radio 1 FM (music), West Coast Radio and Sud FM. Radio France Internationale is available via an FM relay.
