Media in Cooperation and Transition MiCT

Since Ben Ali was ousted, Tunisia has enjoyed more press freedom and the country has actually moved further toward a truly democratic and inclusive society, especially when compared to its Arab Spring neighbours, Libya and Egypt. Yet it is also true that Tunisian journalists still work in dangerous conditions, especially when facing the ongoing threat of presented by religious extremists in the country.

There is also a strong polarisation in Tunisia’s media scene, with lines drawn between the liberal and secular media and the conservative, religious media.

One of Tunisia’s major achievements was the relatively successful foundation of the High Independent Authority for Audiovisual Communication, or HAICA, a body tasked with regulating the Tunisian media sector, supervising the media during electoral campaigns, and nominating directors in public broadcasting.

MICT has been active in Tunisia since 2011. The core of MICT’s activities in Tunisia are professional development and ongoing training of local journalists. Projects have included platforms for the dissemination of election information and a bi-lingual news website, Correspondents.org, as well as cooperation with local universities and a music project.