Radio-télévision du Niger (RTN)
Radio‑Télévision du Niger (RTN), formerly known as ORTN until April 2022, is Niger’s national public broadcaster. RTN operates two television channels—Télé Sahel and Tal TV—as well as the radio network La Voix du Sahel.
Media assets
Television: Tele-Sahel, TAL TV
Radio: La Voix du Sahel
State Media Matrix Typology
Ownership and governance
Established by Law 67‑011 in 1967, RTN is a state-owned entity under the Ministry of Communication. Its Board of Directors, appointed by the government, oversees its affairs. Since January 2023, veteran journalist Toudou Mariama Issaka has served as General Director, a position nominated by executive decree.
Source of funding and budget
RTN’s funding model comprises: state subsidies, covering roughly 70% of its roughly US $ 2 million annual budget—substantially higher than the 52% seen a decade ago; license fees, levied on every household; and commercial income, including advertising and program sales. Due to a lack of publicly disclosed financial reports, these figures rely on expert assessments.
Editorial independence
Although no legal mandate enforces pro-government bias, RTN is widely regarded as “blatantly pro-government,” predominantly broadcasting official communiqués while steering clear of criticism toward state institutions.
This allegiance has deepened since the July 2023 military coup, as RTN became a mouthpiece for the ruling junta. Following the overthrow of President Bazoum, the junta—which formally declared a five‑year transitional plan in March 2025—tightened its grip on state media and shuttered international outlets. The government has also suspended international broadcasters like RFI, France 24, and the BBC since 2023—a move formalized by a three‑month BBC blackout in late 2024. In March 2025, new regulations were proposed to require government licensing for WhatsApp or Facebook groups exceeding 50 members, marking an expanding crackdown on social media.
Under these circumstances, RTN’s editorial content aligns closely with government narratives, with minimal public dissent or scrutiny.
Notably, no domestic oversight mechanisms, such as an independent ombudsman or press council,have been enacted to ensure impartiality.
June 2025