Ibrahima Souleymane Ndiaye, a veteran of Senegalese journalism, has spent over 50 years in the industry, with a career spanning from the 1970s to the present day. Born in 1954 in Guinguinéo, Kaolack region, Ndiaye grew up in a family of railway workers and developed an interest in journalism at a young age. He recalls listening to reporters cover the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, which sparked his desire to become a journalist.
Ndiaye's educational background led him to the Centre d'études des sciences et techniques de l'information (Cesti), where he was part of the 7th promotion, graduating in 1979. Upon completing his studies, he faced a period of unemployment before being recruited by the Office de Radiodiffusion Télévision du Sénégal (Orts), now known as Radiodiffusion télévision nationale (Rts), in 1980-1981.
During his time at Rts, Ndiaye worked alongside other pioneers of Senegalese journalism, including Babacar Diagne, Mactar Sylla, and Pathé Fall Dièye. As a young journalist, he quickly made a name for himself within the Rts editorial team, contributing to some of the most notable moments in Senegalese audiovisual history. His colleagues describe him as having a strong work ethic and a passion for journalism.
Ndiaye's career at Rts spanned several decades, during which he took on various roles, including presenter, reporter, and documentary filmmaker. He became a household name in Senegal, with his face and voice familiar to audiences across the country. Even after retiring over 15 years ago, Ndiaye still receives recognition for his contributions to Senegalese journalism.
In addition to his work at Rts, Ndiaye has also been involved in various other initiatives, including his current role as president of the Tribunal des pairs du Cored. This organization is responsible for regulating and promoting best practices in Senegalese journalism. Ndiaye's experience and expertise make him well-suited to this position.
Reflecting on his career, Ndiaye notes that the journalism landscape has undergone significant changes over the years. He recalls a time when there was only one television channel in Senegal, with a small team of reporters and presenters responsible for covering the entire country. Despite these challenges, Ndiaye and his colleagues managed to produce high-quality content that informed and engaged audiences.
Today, Ndiaye looks back on his career with a sense of pride and accomplishment. He has inspired a new generation of journalists and continues to play an important role in promoting professional and responsible journalism in Senegal. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of dedication and hard work in the pursuit of a career in journalism.
Key points
- Ibrahima Souleymane Ndiaye's career in journalism spans over five decades, with significant contributions to Senegalese national television.
- He played a key role in shaping the country's audiovisual landscape, working alongside other pioneers of Senegalese journalism.
- Ndiaye continues to be involved in promoting best practices in journalism, currently serving as president of the Tribunal des pairs du Cored.
