The media of Libya consists of a broad range of newspapers, TV channels, radio stations, and websites mostly set up during or after the Libyan Civil War, which removed previously tight restrictions on freedom of the press and freedom of speech. By the summer of 2012, there were over 200 registered newspapers, over 20 TV channels, and 200 radio stations. The media landscape in Libya is fluid - many Libyans are taking advantage of the unprecedented freedoms newly available to them. Of the hundreds of newspapers that appeared during and in the immediate aftermath of the 2011 revolution, few are still published with any regularity. But new newspapers keep being launched. Radio stations - especially local ones - are thriving with each city and town catering to their local audience's need to express their voice. The number of TV stations is similarly growing. The private media sector is steadily expanding despite concerns regarding its financial sustainability.
Libya Radio and Television Corporation is the successor to the Gaddafi-era state broadcaster. More than 20 TV stations, many privately owned, broadcast from Libyan cities and from Middle East media hubs.
Libya TV - aka Libya al-Ahrar; Qatar-based satellite station, launched in April 2011.
Radio
State owned radio stations
Libya Radio and Television Corporation is the successor to the Gaddafi-era state broadcaster. Operates Radio Libya, Al-Shababiyah, Al-Itha'ah al-Wataniya.
Private radio stations
Dozens of radio outlets, many privately owned, broadcast from Libyan cities and from Middle East media hubs. The BBC World Service Arabic broadcasts on 91.5 FM in Tripoli, Benghazi, and Misrata.
Al Aan FM: Broadcasts on 105.3 MHz, covering Al Bayda, Al Marj, Benghazi, Misrata, Labraq, Nalut, Sabha,Sirte, Susah,Tobruk and Tripoli.
Libya FM - Egypt-based
Tribute FM: An English-language internet station broadcasting from Benghazi.
A new constitution has yet to be written and approved, but Article 14 of the Interim Constitutional Declaration adopted on 3 August 2011 guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of the press:
A framework for media policy and regulation has yet to be developed, but authorities during and after the 2011 revolution have made several attempts to bring the sector under official oversight and regulation. Experienced media professionals and newcomers are skeptical about these efforts and have resisted efforts to bring their industry under the control of transitional authorities.
On 19 May 2012 the NTC, following demonstrations by journalists in front of their headquarters, issued three decrees shifting the state's media assets from the Ministry of Culture and Civil Society to a High Media Council, which reports directly to the NTC.
On 13 June 2012, the implementation of the High Media Council was suspended following further demonstrations by journalists and a formal complaint from the Ministry of Culture and Civil Society.
On 5 July 2012, the NTC recognized the High Media Council with new members elected at the Jadu Media Forum on 25 June 2012. Financial responsibility for the state broadcasters was returned to the Ministry of Culture and Civil Society.
