Keeping informed in Bamako: press, radio, television and online media
Where to get news in Bamako: the press (L'Essor, national-language papers), radio (ORTM and about 150 FM stations), television (ORTM, private channels), online media, the regulator (HAC), and the Pan-African Media Forum held in Bamako in June 2026.
To follow news from Bamako and Mali, there is a varied landscape: daily and weekly papers, newspapers in the national languages, state radio and local stations, public and private television channels, news websites. Here is an overview, with what the sources say, which may have aged: check that a title or channel is available before relying on it.
Key points
- The media regulator is the High Authority for Communication (HAC).
- Broadcasting was liberalised in 1991; the State no longer holds a monopoly.
- There are about 150 private, associative or community radio stations on FM, in addition to the two radio channels of ORTM.
- Bamako hosted the 1st Pan-African Media Forum from 3 to 6 June 2026.
The press
Malian newspapers have limited circulation, because of illiteracy among part of the population, cost and an oral tradition. In French, you will find notably:
- L'Essor, a daily, a former government paper, whose main publisher is the Malian Press and Advertising Agency (AMAP), the State's official news agency, created by a law of 29 November 1979;
- Les Échos, founded in 1989, the first private paper;
- L'Indépendant, Le Républicain, Info-Matin, Soir de Bamako, Le Pays (dailies);
- Le Scorpion (satirical weekly) and other weeklies such as Le Malien, Le Challenger or Aujourd'hui-Mali.
There are also monthlies in the national languages: Kibaru (Bambara, founded 1972), Kabaaru (Fulani, 1983), Jèkabaara (Bambara, 1986) and Xibaare (Soninke, 1993).
Radio
ORTM (the Malian radio and television broadcasting office) has two radio channels, the national radio and channel 2, created in 1993 and broadcast on FM. About 150 private, associative or community radio stations broadcast on FM, born after democracy was restored in 1991. They are grouped in URTEL (Union of Free Radio and Television Stations of Mali); rural radios have their own network, ARCOM. Radio France Internationale used to be widely listened to; according to Wikipedia, RFI and France 24 were banned in Mali in March 2022.
Television
ORTM runs the national public channel. Other channels broadcast from Bamako, including Africable, Cheriflah TV, Renouveau TV, TM1, Mande TV and Joliba TV according to the source, and TV5 Monde is received almost everywhere with a simple antenna. Two Malian companies offer paid bouquets via MMDS.
Online media
Among news sites, Maliweb.net (2002), Malijet.com (2007) and journaldumali.com (2009) are among the oldest. Wikipedia notes that other sites have been created but raise concerns about seriousness and consistency: always cross-check sources.
The official framework
The High Authority for Communication (HAC) regulates the media. The Observatory for Press Ethics and Professional Conduct (ODEP) raises journalists' awareness of the basic rules of the profession.
Bamako hosted the 1st Pan-African Media Forum from 3 to 6 June 2026, themed "Uniting voices, strengthening Africa's media". It aimed to set up a permanent forum for decision-makers, journalists, researchers, influencers and media executives, on journalistic practice, digital change, the role of social media, fighting disinformation and protecting professionals. Participants adopted the "Bamako Appeal", which notes a triple technological, economic and representational dependence and sets out an action programme in eight pillars.
Going further
- Connectivity: SIM cards and mobile internet in Bamako.
- The digital economy: digital economy and cybersecurity in Mali.
- The country's languages: languages of Mali.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mali's official daily?
L'Essor, a former government paper published by the Malian Press and Advertising Agency.
Who regulates the media in Mali?
The High Authority for Communication (HAC).
Are RFI and France 24 broadcast in Bamako?
According to Wikipedia, they were banned in Mali in March 2022; check the current situation.
Sources (checked on 19 October 2026)
- Wikipedia (French), Médias au Mali and Agence malienne de presse et de publicité.
- General Secretariat of the Government, Council of Ministers statement of 19 June 2026 (French; Pan-African Media Forum).