Media Our Knowledge Publishing Media and religion: The role of religious media in the dynamics of Senegalese Sufi Islam. An analysis of the case of Lamp Fall

In Senegal, the emergence of faith-based media dates back to the 2000s. This phenomenon is closely linked to the country's socio-cultural context. Senegal is characterised by a specific religious landscape, with 96 per cent of its total population of 13.5 million being Muslim. This Muslim population is divided into four brotherhoods (religious doctrines inspired by Sunni Sufi Islam): the Khadrs, the Layènes, the Mourides (Mouridism) and the Tidianes (Tidianism). Consequently, the emergence of faith-based media is encouraged by these religious authorities, who wish to have their own media outlets. Consequently, these media outlets define their own religious editorial policies and gear their programmes - which are well received by the public - towards popularising and defending their religious practices. This study takes Lamp Fall Television as its case study to analyse its links with Mouridism. It examines the channel's origins, its editorial line, its religious mission and its programme schedule to highlight how it promotes Mouridism, concluding with an analysis of its uses and rewards.