France, Sept. 1 -- Senegal's press is facing a worsening financial crisis, impacted by cuts to public subsidies and the collapse of advertising revenue. At its centre is the restructuring of Youssou N'Dour's Futurs Medias group, but other privately owned companies are now facing similar challenges and asking for government support.

The Futurs Medias group (GFM) - which owns leading Senegalese media outlets including newspaperL'Observateur, radio station RFM and television channel TFM - says it is experiencing an "unprecedented" crisis.

With advertising revenue plummeting, print sales falling, rising costs and tax adjustments, the group has not paid some employees for three months.

For its management there is only one option left:restru...