Libya: Building a free media
A new generation of Libyan journalists are enjoying their new-found freedom of expression.
For decades, the media in Libya served as nothing more than a propaganda tool for the regime of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.
But the revolution has brought change not just to the country’s leadership, but also to its media environment. Over the past year, Libyans have seen an explosion in brand new media outlets.
At least 120 print outlets have sprung up, as well as fresh alternatives on TV and radio. Meanwhile, a new generation of Libyan journalists are enjoying their newfound freedom of expression despite the lack of training and infrastructure.
Building a vibrant free media has become a top priority for hundreds of exiled Libyans who have now returned to their homeland with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Listening Post‘s Flo Phillips examines the flourishing media scene in Libya and the challenges that lie ahead.
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“The difference today is the fact that Libyans have options. Before what did they have? The option of watching the TV station that was under the control of Gaddafi or the TV station that was under the control of Saif Islam. Now they have more than 200 media outlets, they have more than half a dozen of television stations, satellite local terrestrial are taking shape, over 120 radio stations that just we have been seeing sprouting all over the country, whether online or on the air, and so access of information is a whole different story for them now as far as trying to get all the information from all the different sources. It’s creating confusion because we are going from nothing to having hundreds of opinions out there.” Jamal Dajani, Internews Network |