The media of Libya consists of a broad range of newspapers, TV channels, radio stations, and websites mostly set up during or after the Libyan Civil War, which removed previously tight restrictions on freedom of the press and freedom of speech. By the summer of 2012, there were over 200 registered newspapers, over 20 TV channels, and 200 radio stations.
Contents
- News agencies and websites
- State owned daily newspapers
- Private newspapers
- Television
- State owned TV stations
- Private TV stations
- Radio
- Government regulation
- References
The media landscape in Libya is fluid - many Libyans are taking advantage of the unprecedented freedoms newly available to them. Of the hundreds of newspapers that appeared during and in the immediate aftermath of the 2011 revolution, few are still published with any regularity. But new newspapers keep being launched. Radio stations - especially local ones - are thriving with each city and town catering to their local audience's need to express their voice. The number of TV stations is similarly growing. The private media sector is steadily expanding despite concerns regarding its financial sustainability.
News agencies and websites
State-owned daily newspapers
Private newspapers
Television
Libyan Radio and TV (LRT) is the successor to the Gaddafi-era state broadcaster. More than 20 TV stations, many privately owned, broadcast from Libyan cities and from Middle East media hubs.
State owned TV stations
Private TV stations
Radio
Government regulation
A new constitution has yet to be written and approved, but Article 14 of the Interim Constitutional Declaration adopted on 3 August 2011 guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of the press:
“Freedom of opinion for individuals and groups, freedom of scientific research, freedom of communication, liberty of the press, printing, publication and mass media, freedom of movement, freedom of assembly, freedom of demonstration and freedom of peaceful strike shall be guaranteed by the State in accordance with the law.”
A framework for media policy and regulation has yet to be developed, but authorities during and after the 2011 revolution have made several attempts to bring the sector under official oversight and regulation. Experienced media professionals and newcomers are skeptical about these efforts and have resisted efforts to bring their industry under the control of transitional authorities.