القنوات الفضائية ودورها في تعزيز مفاهيم الدراية الإعلامية لدى الجمهور الليبي

Abstract

Abstract

Since 2011, the Libyan media landscape has faced complex challenges related to weak professionalism, the pressure of breaking news, and political polarization, which have all affected its ability to promote media literacy among audiences. Against this backdrop, the present study aims to explore the reality of media literacy indicators in Libya Al-Ahrar TV, by analyzing a selected set of talk shows and news programs, and by assessing audience awareness of these indicators, in order to identify strengths and weaknesses in the channel’s performance and its role in fostering critical thinking.

The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative tools (a content analysis coding sheet applied to selected programs) with qualitative techniques (in-depth interviews with journalists and viewers, discourse analysis of selected episodes, and audience observations on social media.

Quantitative results revealed that analytical and talk shows such as Hiwaria Al-Layla, Al-Malaf, and platform scored the highest on media literacy indicators, particularly in verification, critical analysis, and propaganda detection, with mean values exceeding (4.20). In contrast, daily news programs such as Hasad Al-Youm and Al-Jawla showed relative weakness in distinguishing fact from opinion and pluralism, with means ranging between (2.95–3.55). Findings also indicated that audience awareness is strongly associated with age and educational level, as younger and more educated viewers demonstrated higher levels of critical awareness.

Qualitative findings highlighted that time pressure and political polarization represent the main constraints limiting journalists’ ability to verify information and maintain objectivity. Discourse analysis further showed that talk shows tend to foster pluralism and source comparison, while breaking news coverage prioritizes speed over depth and verification. Moreover, audience observations revealed growing interest in reliable sources and a tendency to ask critical questions, reflecting the tangible impact of media literacy practices.

The study concludes that Libya Al-Ahrar TV has played a significant role in promoting certain aspects of media literacy, particularly through its talk shows, yet it still needs to strengthen editorial practices in breaking news coverage to enhance fact–opinion distinction and ensure pluralism and neutrality in media discourse.

Keywords: Audience Critical Awareness; Information Verification; Libyan Media; Libya Al-Ahrar TV; Media Literacy; Propaganda Detection.