Responsible media has important role shaping public opinion- Zeidan

By Sami Zaptia.

Tripoli, 29 May 2013:

At today’s press conference Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said that the role of Libyan media and . . .[restrict]journalists is an important one in society.

Zeidan, has recently been making an increased number of statements about the media and its role in society.

We want you to be comfortable and happy he said. He reiterated his support for strong media and journalism. He categorized the era of the last regime as a lost era for the sector. We need to reform the sector he added.

Referring to Facebook and social media he highlighted the media’s responsible role in disseminating information. The media had an important role in shaping public opinion he said.

Zeidan, who had just finished a cabinet meeting had ironically started the press conference late and insisted on only accepting 5 questions due to the need to attend a meeting at the GNC.

This, unsurprisingly, met with some displeasure from a few members of the media and two female journalists insisted on asking a question when the Prime Minister had tried to end the conference.

Zeidan, probably aware that he was being transmitted live on TV, conceded that he will accept the two extra questions but only since the two journalists were women. [/restrict]