Category: Media

On International Press Freedom Day, Progress for Local Media

On International Press Freedom Day, Progress for Local Media

| 03 May 2013 | 2 Comments

After months of delay, the Tunisian presidency is to designate members of a new regulatory body for audiovisual media today in honor of International Press Freedom Day. The presidency announced that it accepted nominations for the two seats on the High Independent Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HAICA) allotted to the National Union of Tunisian Journalists [...]

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Internet Regulatory Framework Debated by Tunisian Lawyers

Internet Regulatory Framework Debated by Tunisian Lawyers

| 30 April 2013 | 5 Comments

The National Union of Tunisian Lawyers discussed the creation of a legal framework to address cyber-crimes such as defamation and online terrorism during a forum held Friday. Chawki Tabib, head of the union, emphasized the pivotal role the Internet played during the revolution and stressed that online freedom will not be affected. Yet, he insisted, [...]

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Political Party Leader Buys Frequency of Tunisia’s Most-Watched TV Station (UPDATED)

Political Party Leader Buys Frequency of Tunisia’s Most-Watched TV Station (UPDATED)

| 16 April 2013 | 4 Comments

  Slim Riahi, a wealthy Tunisian businessman and leader of the Free Patriotic Union (UPL) political party, announced Monday on his Facebook page that he has completed the “purchase of the Ettounisya channel,” a Tunisian television station. The move further establishes Riahi as an influential figure in Tunisian society, but also raises questions about the relationship [...]

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High Official Allegedly Threatens BBC Journalist

High Official Allegedly Threatens BBC Journalist

| 16 April 2013 | 1 Comment

A top official in the office of President Moncef Marzouki has been accused of threatening a Tunisian journalist. Imed Daimi, head of the presidency office, demanded an apology from Tunisian journalist Mekki Helal after Helal accused Marzouki’s counselors and staff of abandoning the president, not fulfilling their duties, and making a profit from serving at [...]

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Mufti’s New TV Show Highlights Changing Role of Religion in Society

Mufti’s New TV Show Highlights Changing Role of Religion in Society

| 12 April 2013 | 19 Comments

The Mufti of Tunisia, the country’s highest religious authority, will begin hosting a weekly program on a state-run television channel. The move, unimaginable under the previous regime, signifies the growing role of Islam in public life. Othman Battikh, the Mufti, requested the program so that he might alleviate the confusion in society over conflicting opinions [...]

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Tunisians Show Solidarity with Egyptian Satirist Bassem Youssef

Tunisians Show Solidarity with Egyptian Satirist Bassem Youssef

| 03 April 2013 | 6 Comments

Well-known Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef, who was summoned for questioning by Egyptian prosecutors for allegedly insulting Islam and Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, has gained international support from journalists, activists, and citizens. This sentiment has been shared by many in Tunisia. Despite the fact that his El Bernameg (The Program) is one of the most viewed shows in [...]

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UN Expert Calls on Tunisia to Protect Freedom of Expression

UN Expert Calls on Tunisia to Protect Freedom of Expression

| 02 April 2013 | 0 Comments

Tunisia should strive to enshrine freedom of expression and information in its constitution, laws, and official bodies, Frank La Rue, UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Expression and Opinion, stated Tuesday during a press conference in Tunis. This is especially true, he added, because of the role the [...]

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Young Tunisians Find Voice in Online Radio

Young Tunisians Find Voice in Online Radio

| 01 April 2013 | 2 Comments

Tunisian media have undergone a rebirth since the era of former President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, when mainstream outlets served the interests of the regime and broadcast its agenda. As part of a wave of new media, alternative outlets such as community and online radio have grown in popularity with young Tunisians dissatisfied with the [...]

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Presidency Defends Delayed Creation of Media Regulatory Authority

Presidency Defends Delayed Creation of Media Regulatory Authority

| 28 March 2013 | 2 Comments

The office of President Moncef Marzouki denies accusations that it intentionally delayed the establishment of an official body to regulate the Tunisian media. A statement released Monday by three groups involved in the process to select members of the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HAICA) held the “President of the Republic and his counsellors accountable [...]

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World Social Forum Threatened by Airport Strike

World Social Forum Threatened by Airport Strike

| 18 March 2013 | 1 Comment

Although up to 50,000 participants from at least 125 countries are expected to arrive in Tunis next week for the World Social Forum, the success of this international event is threatened by a potential strike that could shut down the country’s airports. Unionized airport workers have demanded a pay hike and say they will go [...]

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