Lamine Niang, CEO of Le Soleil: "The break between Diomaye and Sonko has not changed the newspaper's editorial line."

Two years after his appointment as head of the national daily newspaper Le Soleil , Lamine Niang takes stock of his tenure and reaffirms the newspaper's public service mission. In an interview with Seneweb, the managing director asserts that the political changes at the highest levels of government have in no way altered the paper's editorial line.

“ Le Soleil is a public media outlet. It belongs to the people. Its editorial line remains the same: to popularize public action and support government policies. We will not deviate from this rule,” he affirms. According to him, the daily newspaper is paid to fulfill a public service mission in a republican spirit. “We highlight institutions, not individuals,” he insists, specifying that the political sections continue to cover all news, whether it concerns Pastef, Kiiraay, or other political parties. Referring to the falling out between the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and the President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, Lamine Niang believes that this situation cannot influence the newspaper's reporting: “The falling out between Diomaye and Sonko cannot change the work we were doing.”

Management based on consultation

From a managerial standpoint, the CEO says he prioritizes collaboration with journalists and all employees of the group. Drawing on his previous management experience, he explains that he has focused on cross-functional skills to establish a climate of trust. "I first took the time to identify strengths, weaknesses, and threats in order to make decisions at the right time," he says. He also affirms that he listens to everyone in order to guarantee a calm working environment conducive to the development of talent. Lamine Niang emphasizes that Le Soleil remains an institution whose credibility is a major asset. His ambition, however, has been to improve the editorial offering.

“We’ve gone from 24 to 32 pages. We’ve given more space to analysis, investigation, and reporting, while also getting closer to the public through insightful content,” he explains. Among the main innovations, the managing director cites the development of digital media. “The major innovation is Le Soleil Digital ,” he states. The group has launched a digital newsstand offering an immersive reading experience, established a fact-checking unit, and developed several new editorial products. He mentions, in particular, a weekly newspaper in Arabic, presented as a first in the Senegalese media landscape, as well as a monthly magazine dedicated to the south of the country to support the decentralization policy. Programs in Wolof are also broadcast on digital platforms to reach audiences who read little or no French. The group is also preparing a weekly sports magazine, which is slated to become a daily publication.

When asked about competition with RTS and APS in the digital sphere, Lamine Niang considers this evolution a natural one. “It’s possible, but this competition must be positive. The public service mission must benefit everyone. Everyone has the right to information,” he affirms. According to him, public media must absolutely adapt to digital changes. “We mustn’t just sprint ahead. Digital technology is becoming essential, and we must adapt,” he maintains. Finally, the Director General emphasizes that Le Soleil plays an important role in national cohesion and promoting Senegal’s influence.

“We have a responsibility to ensure national cohesion, but also to contribute to the diplomatic sphere. Le Soleil is the country’s showcase, as ambassadors read it every morning,” he emphasizes. He concludes by noting that the national daily newspaper possesses an exceptional documentary heritage, with 56 years of archives, which he intends to preserve and promote.