Manama: The Doha Centre for Media Freedom (DCMF) plans to send a delegation to Libya to support the development of media and journalism.
Jan Keulen, DCMF Director, said that he and a small team of administrators and technical advisers would travel to Libya in the next two to three weeks and consult with "media leaders," journalists, activists and the National Transitional Council authorities.
Following these consultations, a plan will be drawn up to facilitate Arabic-language journalism training and technical assistance, and a pilot programme is expected to be in place within the next few months, Qatari daily Gulf Times reported on Wednesday.
Keulen said that many journalists and trainers from across the region had already expressed interest in participating in the programme and supporting the professional development of Libyan media.
Fledgling Libya media industry
Further plans and programme details would be determined by the initial trip by the DCMF team who will establish the specific needs of the fledgling Libyan media industry.
Keulen said that the centre was particularly interested in working with local radio stations, and if necessary establishing local radio stations, that can provide humanitarian assistance following the conflict.
The radio stations will work to help locate some of the 40,000 people missing since the beginning of the revolt against the Gaddafi regime. The team will present its idea to the authorities and will try to implement a plan following their approval.
Press freedom
Keulen said that Libyans wanted press freedom, but "this freedom has to be organised in democratic unions," in support of a strong civil society.
The centre will also be working with media from Europe and the Middle East in supporting this transition, with partners from Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan contributing to such programmes, he said.
