Libya

Political, social, and economic systems of a country often shape its media. For over 40 years, the rule of Libyan President Colonel Muammar Gaddafi had significant effects on the country’s media system. The end of Gaddafi’s autocratic regime in 2011 offered hope for growth of a free, independent, and viable media system in Libya, which was stifled during the Gaddafi regime. Unfortunately, the fall of the Gaddafi regime was followed by violence, political killings, and the government’s losing control of much of the country to militia groups. Political instability is negatively affecting the growth of independent and professional media in the post-Gaddafi period. This entry provides an overview of Libyan media, including their history under Gaddafi’s rule, the contemporary role of citizen journalists and social ...