Senegal’s National Assembly adopted a bill on Tuesday, March 3, establishing the National Media Regulatory Council (CNRM), a new body that will oversee the country’s media sector. The law also outlines the council’s structure and operating rules.
The creation of the CNRM dissolves the National Audiovisual Regulatory Council (CNRA), which previously regulated mainly traditional audiovisual media, including radio and television.
Authorities said the CNRM will introduce a broader, consistent regulatory framework suited to the rapid changes in the information and communication sector. The new regulator will cover the written press, online media, service publishers, producers, broadcasters, and service distributors, regardless of technology or method of distribution.
The council’s mandate also extends to audiovisual communication services, digital and content-sharing platforms, content creators, and foreign media accessible within Senegal.
The reform comes amid growing concerns about press freedom. Between 2019 and 2024, Senegal fell sharply in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index, dropping from 49th to 94th place due to increased violations of journalists’ rights, including arrests and temporary suspensions of TV stations. RSF deemed some of these measures disproportionate.
In response, professional groups such as the Convention of Young Reporters of Senegal (CJRS) organized workshops in February, supported by RSF, to improve documentation of violations and strengthen journalist safety.
According to the 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index, Senegal now ranks 74th out of 180 countries, highlighting ongoing challenges for the country’s media landscape.
