Media and the Arab Spring

Dr. Joan Barata Mir

An-Ox 2013

WHAT IS THE ARAB SPRING?

POLITICAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT (1)

POLITICAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT (2) Post-colonial regimes:

Military dictatorships.More or less authoritarian regimes.Some specific cases.

Corruption, mix of public/private interests and some family mafia systems.

Big social differences. Privileged relationships with Europe. Strict control of islamic fractions and

parties.

THE MARKET AND REGULATORY MEDIA CONTEXT BEFORE THE REVOLUTIONS Very weak protection of freedom of expression

and information. Strong State broadcasters. Tension between tight control over broadcasting

and the will to liberalize liberalization was primarily understood from an economic point of view. (In some cases political repression combines well with economic liberalization)

Political view of broadcast media as playing a key role in safeguarding national identity and culture.

National media vs. supranational influence. Lack of professional independence and ethical

rules.

A NEW POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

Not the Arab Spring anymore, but the Arab Decade.

Difficult political transitions. The fading role of revolutionaries. The emerging power of islamists. The role of satellite and new media (?).

SOME SPECIFIC CASES

Morocco Reform without Revolution.

Algeria A few mirages of freedom.

Jordan Did you say liberalization...?

Lebanon Diversity causes social fragmentation.

BIG CHALLENGES FOR MEDIA FREEDOM AND MEDIA REFORM

BIG CHALLENGES FOR MEDIA FREEDOM AND MEDIA REFORM Adequate constitutional protection of

freedom of expression and information delicate balance vis-à-vis protection of religious beliefs.

New legal framework according to international standards.

Creation of independent media regulatory authorities.

Ethics and professionalism in journalism. Transition from State media to public service

broadcasting. Real liberalization.

WHAT ABOUT TURKEY?

WHAT ABOUT TURKEY? Each Arab country is different AND Turkey is

different from Arab countries.

After the failure of negotiations with EU Turkey has made a geo-political turn.

The big division of the country.

What are people protesting against?

The role of conventional and social media in recent protests.

Thank you!

jbaratamir@gmail.com@JoanBarata