Media reform project in Libya given international support

International diplomats and senior members of the Libyan government attended a presentation of an EU-Deutsche Welle Akademie project aimed at reforming Libya’s media sector. 

DW Akademie presented the long-term project “Media in Libya: Stability through Structure” at a reception in Tripoli on 29 March 2014. The project, funded by the European Union, started in December 2013 and is being conducted by DW Akademie with the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR).

DW Akademie director Mr Christian Gramsch said their Libyan partners had placed trust in working with them.

“We all recognized the need for a long-term strategy and have responded to a request for a project that supports the introduction of modern media legislation and strengthens Libya’s media institutions,” he said, thanking the European Union for funding the project.

Libya’s Deputy Minister of Information, Ms Lamia Abusedra, said: “I am confident this project will make a vital contribution to developing Libya’s media sector, especially at this very sensitive time.”

Designed for a 30-month period, “Stability through Structure” is divided into four main areas, three of which will be conducted by the DW Akademie and the fourth by the IWPR. On the agenda is support for the newly emerging media unions and committees as well as consulting services for media managers.

Another focus will be on strengthening regional, independent and professional journalism, with workshops designed to reflect the training needs of radio and television stations.

Accompanying surveys looking at media usage trends in various parts of the country will be developed with universities in Bengasi and Tripoli. Also planned is a Content Development Fund for media workers and institutions, designed to subsidise independent reporting. The IWPR will be developing the fund over a two-year period.