Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs Walid Al-Lafi held a meeting with the newly established National Media Corporation, in the presence of representatives of state media channels and institutions, to discuss ways to develop the media sector in Libya.
Al-Lafi stressed, “The government’s commitment to its approved vision for reorganizing the media sector, noting that the current stage aims to strengthen and strengthen national media institutions before reaching the establishment of the Supreme Media Council.” The Minister pointed out that the project to establish a training institute is a top priority with the aim of enhancing the efficiency of the human cadre working in this sector.”
For his part, the Executive Director of the Foundation reviewed “the new strategic projects plan that was distributed to various affiliated media institutions, which contributes to raising the level of media performance in the country.”
The meeting also discussed “the financial challenges facing newly established institutions, stressing the importance of continuous communication with the Ministry of Finance to solve these problems, especially with regard to opening financial windows and addressing releases delayed for years, to ensure the continuity of the institutions’ work and achieve their goals.”
The meeting also touched on “the ongoing preparations to organize the third edition of the “Tripoli Media Days” for the year 2024, where public institutions are expected to participate to present their achievements and private projects in a way that reflects the development of media work in Libya.”
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Media Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our interview series! Today, we are joined by Dr. Sarah El-Hosni, a leading media expert and consultant with extensive experience in media development in post-conflict countries. Thank you for being here, Dr. El-Hosni.
Dr. Sarah El-Hosni (SEH): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Recently, Libya’s Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs, Walid Al-Lafi, held a meeting with the newly established National Media Corporation focusing on the development of the media sector. From your perspective, why is this meeting significant for Libya right now?
SEH: This meeting is a crucial step in Libya’s transition towards a more democratic framework. After years of conflict, rebuilding national media institutions is essential for promoting transparency and accountability. Al-Lafi’s emphasis on reorganizing the media sector indicates a recognition of the media’s role in society, which is vital for fostering civic engagement and informing the public.
TNE: Al-Lafi mentioned the establishment of a training institute as a top priority. How important is capacity building in the media sector for Libya?
SEH: Capacity building is fundamentally important. Journalists and media professionals in Libya have faced numerous challenges, from censorship to lack of resources. A training institute can provide essential skills in investigative journalism, ethics, and digital media, equipping them to report effectively and responsibly. This kind of investment not only improves media quality but strengthens democracy by ensuring that citizens are well-informed.
TNE: What challenges do you anticipate as Libya undertakes this media development initiative?
SEH: There are several challenges to consider. Firstly, the political landscape is still quite fragmented, which can influence media independence. There can also be resistance from groups accustomed to controlling narratives. Additionally, securing funding and resources for such initiatives can be difficult. However, with international support and commitment from the government, these challenges can be navigated.
TNE: Al-Lafi spoke about strengthening national media institutions prior to the formation of the Supreme Media Council. What role do you see the Supreme Media Council playing in this context?
SEH: The Supreme Media Council will be pivotal in providing regulatory oversight and ensuring that media operations align with democratic principles. It can serve as a platform for fostering collaboration among different media outlets and addressing issues such as media bias and misinformation. If structured effectively, it can help safeguard the independence of the press and promote a diverse media landscape.
TNE: Dr. El-Hosni, what can international organizations do to support Libya’s media sector in this transformative phase?
SEH: International organizations can offer financial assistance, training programs, and expertise to help build sustainable media institutions. They can partner with Libyan entities to develop best practices and facilitate knowledge exchange. Additionally, advocating for press freedom and supporting local journalism can empower Libyan media to fulfill its role effectively.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. El-Hosni, for your valuable insights on Libya’s media development. It’s an important time for the country, and we’ll be watching closely as these initiatives unfold.
SEH: Thank you for having me! I hope to see positive progress in Libya’s media landscape soon.