Libyan government nationalises reform media
2009-06-03
A recent move by the Libyan government to take over a number of private media enterprises leaves experts puzzled about the state's motives.
By Jamel Arfaoui for Magharebia in Tunis – 03/06/09
 [File] Al Libiya is among a number of Libyan media outlets to be nationalised in a recent government decision. |
The Libyan government's decision to nationalise a number of private-owned media outlets a few weeks ago continues to stir reactions in Libya and abroad. The decision, some observers say, deals a blow to the country's attempts to reform.
The nationalisation decree included Al Libiya satellite TV channel and Al Libiya and Eman radio stations, as well as Quryna and Oea newspapers, all belonging to Al Ghad Foundation, which is owned by Seif al-Islam Kadhafi, son of Libyan leader Muammar Kadhafi.
Now, they all belong to the government's National Media Services Centre (NMSC), which will be headed by Ramadan Briki, a critic of Seif al-Islam’s reforms.
The reasons for the move are not yet clear, analysts and media experts say. Many attribute it to the nature of some of the content on these outlets, including shows that exposed cases of corruption in the government.
The channels were launched in the summer of 2007 as Libya's first private-owned media. At the time, the younger Kadhafi intended for the channels to be outspoken and reformative, calling for independence for all the media outlets in the country.
In a speech given in April 2008, he said that the society must have "several media establishments that expose corruption, rigging and violations. These establishments have to be independent and not reporting to the Information Minister, the Parliament, the Cabinet, or even to Seif al-Islam."
The decision is expected to affect not only the channels, but also several websites that were sponsored by the Al Ghad Foundation like Silvioum, Al-Saiyad and Al-Ijdabi. Popular website Shabab Libya Alghad has not been updated for weeks now.
Libyan journalist Ibrahim Naaji described these websites as "very transparent" and able to expose any issue, big or small, to the public.
"They reported with complete transparency on the violations … committed by officials," Naaji said. "Therefore, they had to be silenced. They have been exposed to a war waged by the enemies of reform."
Rachid Khechana, editor of Tunisia's Al Mawkif newspaper, said in a report to swissinfo.ch: "It's only been a few weeks after opening the Libyan press market to Arab and foreign publications, which constituted a remarkable openness step. Now, this sudden decision was taken, which pushed the country years back."
The Libyan street was divided between praising and opposing the decision.
Ramzi Bedaoui supports the decision, because the country needs government involvement to protect society from "taboos" like spreading rumours and pornographic websites. But this control should be limited, he added.
"I support the state control and domination of the internet, but not to the degree of total suppression of freedoms," he said.
On the other hand, Chaker Trabelsi said that the move would only benefit a few people, "the fat cats who were troubled by the facts exposed by the new generation of journalists and newspapers who are not subjected to the control of state authorities."
But Trabelsi is optimistic that the young generation will find other ways to freedom of speech.
"The Libyan youth can overcome these obstacles," he said. "There are other websites and chat rooms outside the country through which we can exchange news and information."
Email to a friend
Print version
الامين الشريف Posted 2009-06-04
He is wrong anyone who thinks that there are or there were reforming media outlets with the real meaning of the word reform. Is there any reporter of Oya or Corina who writes a column or makes an investigation and isn't summoned by internal security services for investigation and a security prosecution case is opened for him? Ask Mohamed Boussifi the editor in chief of Oya which belongs to the so-called reform movement how many times have they questioned him??? Sirs, we are in a world which doesn't respect the opinion of the other, doesn't believe in good governance of rotation of power between people. Things don't require reform because there is nothing which can be reformed. It is change that is required and giving an opportunity to the new generation, patriots and technocrats to lead the country. As to those who were left behind by the era a,d events, they haven't learned lessons and haven't understood the nature of the period. Let them go away quietly without trouble and shaking their nations. If there are reformists, they can do anything without a strong organization of politics and beliefs according to a change programme at all levels. It should be clear which attracts all the people. However, with a paper or even ten, a resounding radio, they will not resist in the face of the old current the cords of which are intricate, its plots and links are active. If the man wants to reform or change, let him ride the back of a political organization after building it stone by stone. I say political organization not a party. Jamal Arfaoui and Rachid Khechana don't know well what they are talking about. They don't know many background. Salam.
linda Posted 2009-06-04
This does not surprise anyone, given that it is coming from Libya. We are neighbours, but, in spite of that, we have no clue about this country because it is so closed off and... In the end, what is most shocking it is a mentally ill man who governs an entire people, which is evident in his speeches (such as the one on how Native Americans have Muslim origins and how Shakespeare was in really an Arab named "Sheikh Zoubir". So, if a schizophrenic such as him governs a state, it is clear that the private media will be nationalised in order to oblige all the Libyans to listen to his four-hour speeches and shut up the democracy that does not even exist anyway in the brother country.
Anonymous Posted 2009-06-07
If only he were schizophrenic, it would not be so bad. But, this man is a criminal who has already liquidated many a person domestically and abroad. He practices barbaric torture. Yet, he is not the only one to do this; his neighbours do the same thing. There is even technical co-operation between them to this regard and the exchange their expertise. This is why they are sticking around so well. Moreover, he is a thief. His children travel throughout the world and throw money out the window at people. We do not know how many bank accounts his family has abroad. Once again, though, he is not the only one in the region. If he were as crazy as he seemed, he would not have stayed in power for 40 years. One thing that is for sure is that he is one of the largest criminals in contemporary Arab history. But, the petrodollars manage to corrupt even the rich and civilised countries. Businesses that do business with Libya know that what they have to do to find a place on its market. His rightful place ought to be in a court, answering for his crimes. Alas, the Libyans like all the rest of the Arabs became slaves after their independence. They grovel before Kadhafi as they lay on their stomachs before his children, who are going to inherit Libya just like other countries inherit cattle.
We welcome your comments on Magharebia's articles.
It is our hope that you will use this forum to interact with other readers across the Maghreb. In order to keep this experience interesting, we ask you to follow the rules outlined in the comments policy. By submitting comments, you are consenting to these rules. While Magharebia.com encourages discussion on all subjects, including sensitive ones, the comments posted are solely the views of those submitting them. Magharebia.com does not necessarily endorse or agree with the ideas, views, or opinions voiced in these comments. This is a moderated forum. Comments deemed abusive, offensive, or those containing profanity may not be published.
Magharebia's Comments Policy