How are broadcasting and online media regulated in The Gambia's media system?

PURA regulates broadcast licences, frequencies, consumer matters and content, while the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services sets policy. The 2026 PURA text also provides rules for formally designated online providers and creators, but its effective date depends on Gazette publication and commencement.

What licensing steps apply to a new radio or television service in The Gambia's media system?

The applicant submits an application to PURA, undergoes regulatory review, receives a ministerial decision and then obtains the licence from PURA. Frequency allocation is separate, and application, annual licence, registration, spectrum and possible turnover charges depend on the service category.

How can people access media in The Gambia when internet service is limited?

Radio, including GRTS and community FM, remains a practical access channel where internet connections are unreliable. Community stations, local-language programming and phone-in formats can provide local information and participation without requiring continuous internet access.

Which rights and complaint channels apply to journalism and media use in The Gambia?

The 1997 Constitution protects expression, media freedom, private ownership and differing views in state media, while the Access to Information Act 2021 supports information requests and complaints through the Information Commission. Journalists and users can also use the Media Council of The Gambia for mediation or arbitration, and PURA handles relevant consumer or content complaints.

Media in Gambia

Media in The Gambia combines state, private and community radio and television with newspapers, online outlets, streaming services and social platforms. Radio remains a major access channel, especially where internet connectivity is limited, while GRTS, private broadcasters and community stations serve national and local audiences. Licensing, content rules, access rights and child protection differ between broadcasters, online services and user-created content.

Tip

Choose the medium according to coverage, connectivity, equipment and participation needs rather than treating radio, television and online services as interchangeable. If you plan to operate a service, confirm the licence category, current fees and effective regulatory rules before spending money or publishing at scale. Use stronger checks for privacy, children, accuracy and complaints when content reaches a wide audience.

byFatou&Omar

The Gambia has a fragmented media system rather than one unified independent public-service system. The Gambia Radio and Television Service (GRTS) provides national radio and television, including locally produced programmes and content in local languages. The Gambia Daily is a state newspaper published through the Department of Information Services and funded from the central budget. The Gambia News Agency (GAMNA) is the state news agency, while private print and online outlets also operate. The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services sets media and broadcasting policy. The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) handles broadcasting licences, frequencies, consumer matters and content regulation. The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy deals with digital infrastructure. The Gambia Press Union (GPU), registered since 1979, represents journalists and media workers in radio, television, print and online media. The Media Council of The Gambia provides self-regulatory complaint handling through mediation and arbitration. Every broadcaster requires a licence under the Information and Communications Act 2009 and the applicable PURA framework. The usual process involves an application to PURA, regulatory review, a ministerial decision and licence issuance by PURA; frequency allocation is a separate step. The 2026 PURA Unified Fees Regulations text lists, for example, a D50,000 application fee and annual D100,000 licence fee for public or commercial radio in the GBA category, while community radio is listed with an annual D25,000 licence fee. Free-to-air television is listed with a D100,000 application fee, a ten-year term and an annual D300,000 licence fee. Spectrum and turnover charges may apply in addition. The publication of the relevant Gazette notice and the commencement date should be checked before relying on those figures. Licensed options include GRTS, QTV, Paradise FM and TV, commercial FM stations and community stations such as those in Soma, Bwiam, Kerewan, Bansang, Brikamaba, Farafenni and Kauranyning. Community radio, call-in programmes and phone-in programmes provide practical ways to participate in public discussion, particularly outside areas with reliable internet access. Streaming remains fragmented. No local equivalent of Netflix is established in the available information. GRTS Live and catch-up services, QTV Live, Africell AfriTV, and international services such as Showmax and DStv provide functional alternatives. Africell AfriTV combines linear television with video on demand. Access normally requires an internet-capable device and a stable connection, with a subscription or mobile bundle depending on the service. Consumer prices are not published in one uniform national schedule. IPTV, meaning television delivered through internet networks, is a recognised licensing category. Social media distributes platform content and user-created material. The 2026 PURA text identifies categories such as designated online content providers, hosting services, commercial content creators, aggregators and SPURs, meaning social media users with significant public reach. A person or service does not become a broadcaster solely because it has many followers. Formal designation by the minister and publication in the Gazette determine whether the special online rules apply, including for foreign platforms. For licensed broadcasters and designated online editorial providers, the 2026 PURA text addresses accuracy, fairness, privacy, child protection, editorial responsibility, monitoring, lawful takedown or blocking orders and internal complaint procedures. A Content Complaints Committee recommends action and PURA decides. Those rules require confirmation of Gazette publication and commencement before they are treated as operative obligations. The 1997 Constitution protects freedom of speech and expression, media freedom, private ownership of media and the presentation of differing views in state media under sections 207 to 210. The Access to Information Act 2021 provides for access requests, proactive disclosure and an Information Commission that can handle complaints. The Constitution and access law do not remove the need to protect privacy, children, confidential sources and other legally protected interests. For people under 18, the applicable broadcast provisions define a child as anyone below 18. The watershed period runs from 05:00 to 22:00, during which harmful or age-inappropriate content should not be shown, including in children’s programming. Interviews with children generally require consent from a parent or guardian, subject to a public-interest exception. Cyberbullying, hateful or violent material, privacy loss and unsafe sharing create additional risks on digital platforms. Access differs sharply by technology and year. ITU data for 2024 records internet access at home for 49.1% of households. GBOS and MICS data from 2018 recorded radio access at 69.3%, television access at 52.6%, telephone access above 98% and internet access at home or through any device at 63.3%; these figures are not directly comparable because their years and methods differ. Radio therefore remains a particularly relevant way to receive news and participate in programmes where fixed or mobile internet access is unreliable.