Within the framework of the "Maghreb Lectures" series, the Arab Center for Research and PolicyStudies organized a lecture entitled "Tunis" on January 28, 2026."Libyan Media and Political Transitions: Actor or Mirror? ”, delivered by Professor Salem Belhadj , University Professor at the Libyan Academy for Graduate Studies, and moderated by the journalist and researcher Professor Hanan Zbis.
The lecture highlighted the reality of the Libyan media scene in the context of the political and media transformations that the country has witnessed since 2011, and the accompanying divisions and unrest that have reshaped the scene and its relationship with political actors, especially in the absence of legal and institutional frameworks, and the aggravation of political and social polarization.
Highlights of the lecture and discussion
- The relationship between media and politics: Mr. Salem Belhaj began his intervention by standing at the intertwined relationship between the media and politics, wondering about the extent to which the media is an influential actor in the industry of events and transformations, or just a mirror that reflects the existing divisions. He explained that the openness of the media scene after 2011 - in the absence of strict institutional and legal regulation - resulted in positive experiences in transmitting information and raising public awareness, in addition to the emergence of media outlets associated with narrow interests and agendas..
- Technical Development and Professional Challenges: The lecturer touched on the technical and professional development witnessed by the Libyan media, highlighting the improvement in the quality of content and technical means compared to previous stages, while stressing the continued dependence on political contexts. He also showed that the lack of transparency in funding media organizations deepened the chaos and weakened the ability to independent coverage.
- The Problem of Funding and Independence: Ms. Hanan Zbis raised the issue of funding as the primary ruler of the independence of the media and the nature of its contents, noting that the lack of transparency makes some institutions vulnerable to political recruitment and the service of funding parties, which limits their ability to play the role of "public media" and the public interest.
The lecture concluded with a deep discussion that showed that understanding the Libyan media scene requires linking it to the general institutional context. The media is not just a reflection of divisions, but an actor that is affected by them and reproduces them at the same time. This reading confirms that the reform of the sector remains dependent on building stable state institutions, consolidating the rule of law, and providing a legislative and professional environment that guarantees the independence of the press and serves the democratic transition.