Libyan media sector adjusting to post-Gadaffi reality
The burst of new newspapers, magazines and radio in the city of Benghazi, Libya that followed the liberation from Gadaffi are now struggling to survive as funding dwindles and their creators return to their regular day jobs
In Benghazi, the first city freed from Gadaffi control, many of the new newspapers and magazines created in jubilation over the newfound press freedom, are now closing one by one. Most were the creations of young enthusistic people who set up their media with money from their own pockets – and who now have to returin to their education or to previous jobs to earn a living.
– This is unfortunately the situation we expected, says International Media Support’s Libya programme coordinator over the phone from Benghazi.
– We’ve seen a similar situation for media unfolding in Egypt. The boom in new media productions which took place in Benghazi just after the city was freed from Gadaffi rule is now slowing down as people are running out of funds and have to return to their original jobs or studies. This is a process where only the strongest will survive.
Live broadcast from Prime Minister vote
Some media like the TV station Libya-Al Ahrar (translated “The Free People of Libya”) which broadcasts by satelite from Qatar have better odds,. The station was created during the revolution in April this year to represent the revolutionary voice of Libyans. On Sunday, 30 October, Libya Al Ahrar broadcast live from the voting session of the new interim Prime Minister Abdurrahim El Keib, a move which signals transparency and marks the newfound press freedom in Libya. However, according to sources in Libya there is still an element of self-censorship pertaining to cultural “bonds” which are not so easily broken after 42 years of dictatorship.
Partnership approach in support of Libyan media
IMS has been working with media in Libya since June 2011 as one of the first media support organisations on the ground after the revolution broke out. According to Torben Brandt , basic journalistic training and editorial management training remain a priority, along with the development of media laws – essentially why regulating the media is important and how you do this within the parametres of free media. While IMS has been carrying out training since July, there is a need to coordinate efforts of the various international organisations that are keen to support media in Libya in the crucial transition phase to democracy. For IMS, the partnership approach is key to achieving the greatest possible impact.
In response to this, IMS together with a number of organisations are on a partnership mission to Libya this week until 4 November to discuss how best to pool their efforts and expertise to meet the needs of Libyan media.
