Launching the process of monitoring political pluralism on Libyan TV

Launching the process of monitoring political pluralism on Libyan TV

Tripoli _ February 15

The LCFP team of monitors completed today, Wednesday, intensive training on media monitoring techniques for political pluralism in the Libyan media. The training lasted 15 days, with the participation of 9 trainees at the Center’s headquarters in Tripoli. The trainer was the expert and researcher in the field of media monitoring, Fatima Al-Lawati. The first outcome of the training will be the issuance of the first research report on political pluralism in Libyan media. It is in the framework of the structural and legal reform program for the press and media sector in Libya
The Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of the Libyan Center for Freedom of Press, and the Dean of the Faculty of Information at the University of Tripoli, Dr. Khaled Ghulam, participated in the distribution of training certificates to the trainees. The trainees will continue their work until the middle of next March, in order to monitor and analyze the content of 9 Libyan “state and private” media outlets. They will monitor 500 TV hours

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Al-Asfar, Chairman of LCFP Board of Directors, said that these trainings are the first step towards more media research on how to analyse the content, assess the appearance of political figures in Libyan media and evaluate the respect of equal opportunities among all Libyan parties. That is the basis for ensuring fair representation for all through media funded by the state or by private entities

It is noteworthy that media monitoring comes within the project of media coverage of the elections in the context of sensitive situations. The Project is part of the LCFP preparations for the upcoming national elections. The Project’s outcome is the issuance of the first research report on political pluralism in Libyan media

Statement of the Declaration of the Establishment of Free Voices Alliance to Defend Freedom of Media

Statement of the Declaration of the Establishment of Free Voices Alliance to Defend Freedom of Media

Tripoli / January 24

The basic vision of the coalition of non-governmental organizations concerned with media, human rights and community development is based on developing an integrated national strategy to defend freedom of expression and media. It is also based on pushing towards the adoption of fundamental structural reforms in media, and the adoption of a law for the Supreme Council for Media.

We affirm that freedom of expression in media is a basic human right that must be safeguarded. We must also strengthen the independence and pluralism of the Libyan media, and support the right of male and female citizens to access information.

We stress that freedom of media and independence of the press are the essence and the main pillars for rational regimes, political pluralism. They enshrine the values ​​of justice and equality. They are tools without which human rights, the rule of law and democracy cannot be guaranteed.

We appreciate the little reforms recently approved by the Government of National Unity regarding the establishment of a media monitoring body. However, there are still many radical reforms that should be implemented, most notably the establishment of the Supreme Council for Media, the restructuring of public media, and the reduction of negative interference or control over media institutions. 

We recognize the essential role that media plays in the transition process. It ensures access to fair and transparent information for the general public, as well as the right of the public to express their views and concerns, and unveil wrong practices. It is also a tool to combat all forms of hate speech.

We assert the huge and remarkable changes that have occurred in the media and communication environment as a result of the development of media technologies and social media, which prevented the powerful from monopolizing information and media, and prompted change in societies.

We are determined to push for further reforms and for the adoption of the media regulation law that media NGOs are working on.

Therefore, we, the undersigned organizations, announce the establishment of an alliance to defend freedom of media and work together to make the necessary reforms in the Media. The most important of which is calling on the House of Representatives to approve the media regulation law, which the Libyan Organization for Independent Media has worked on since 2019 through a committee that includes legal experts and journalists.

 

Signatory organizations

Atwar Organization for Research and Community Development

Aswat Media Network

The Libyan Organization for Independent Media

The Libyan Center for Freedom of Press

The Libyan Observatory for Freedom of Expression

The Libyan Institution for Investigative Journalism

Jadeed Organization for sports media

Zallaf Association for Development and Media

Institute of Arts for Culture and Media