Libya media guide

A man reads a newspaper in Tripoli with a front page article about the postponement of Libya's presidential elections, December 2021Getty Images

Libya has had a fluid and fractured media landscape since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The existence between 2014 and 2021 of rival authorities in the west and east created political and media polarisation and enduring rivalry between key players.

As part of a new push for reconciliation under a unified interim government, parallel "state media" run by the two administrations are being merged.

Editorial stances shift, depending on the political and military situation.

The battle of narratives on social media and TV has fuelled disinformation. Foreign players whose interventions in Libya have increased are also involved in media messaging.

There is a diverse media environment, with a multitude of outlets and a variety of platforms. Satellite TV is a leading news medium. Stations' social media accounts are key news sources. Some prominent outlets are based outside Libya.

Local and international journalists face threats and attacks. Despite infrastructure limitations, internet use is rising markedly year by year.

Facebook remains the preferred social media platform and is used for official statements, political discussion and popular mobilisation. There were 6.6 million internet users by December 2021, comprising 94% of the population (Worldinternetstats.com).

Press

Television

Radio

News agencies/internet

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