The role of media in the Arab Spring (making) and its contribution to the state building process : Libya as a case study

Abstract

This study is an analysis of the media in the Arab Spring countries with a focus on the role it played in these difficult times as from the start of the revolutions, during as well as after the oust of the previous authoritarian regimes. Notwithstanding to the fact that the authoritarian regimes have been ousted the revolutions are still taking place in the Arab World and they are not finished completely. The dissertation will focus on the role the media played to influence the development of the revolutions; the promotion and the support at the time events were escalating and its contribution to the state building process during the ongoing events, that is, the post-revolution's "ousting" era. Although the study will focus on the three Arab countries, Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, which were at the heart of the revolutions, a particular focus will be given to Libya. The case of Libya will be looked at in depth and various aspects will be taken into consideration. Amongst others, the significant role of the media personalities will be discussed in details making reference to both those personalities which looked at the situation objectively as well as those who looked into it from a subjective point of view . . For the purpose of this dissertation, the term "media personalities" refers to all media users including j oumalists, TV and Radio presenters, activists who make use of the media to address their followers as well as the society as a whole.