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Tunisia's media landscape comprises public and private sectors with distinct ownership patterns. Public television includes El Wataniya 1 and 2, while private sector features Nessma TV (25.7% share), El Hiwar El Tounsi (23.6%), Hannibal TV (13.1%), and Attessia TV (10.1%). The Independent High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HAICA) regulates media but faced forced retirement of president in 2023. Digital media grew significantly with internet penetration reaching 84.9% and social media at 58.9%, though press freedom plummeted to 129th out of 180 countries as of 2025 following Kais Saied's July 2021 power grab.
Tunisia's media comprises 11 public radio stations, 19 private stations led by Mosaique FM (28.6% daily listeners), 22 community radios, and 56 web radios. Private television channels are controlled by handful of businessmen with political affiliations raising concerns about editorial independence. HAICA, established 2011, lost independence after forced retirement of president in 2023 without replacement, effectively eliminating independent oversight. Decree-Law 115 (2011) governs press but enforcement weakened considerably under authoritarian shift.
The regulatory vacuum filled by repressive measures, notably Decree-Law 54 (2022) on cybercrime weaponized against journalists through vague provisions criminalizing "false news" and "spreading rumors," resulting in multiple prosecutions and prison sentences. State control implemented through ownership rather than censorship, with media outlets aligned with government. Mainstream outlets depoliticized and curtailed critical programs following 2021 power consolidation. Al Jazeera bureau raided and closed, systematic attacks intensified through legal harassment and arbitrary detention.
Digital media experienced remarkable growth with internet penetration 84.9% (10.5 million users) by 2025 and 15.7 million mobile connections. Social media achieved substantial reach: Facebook 7.1 million users (73.1% population), Instagram 3.45 million, TikTok 5.32 million, YouTube and Snapchat significant. Alternative media emerged including podcasts, YouTube channels, and influencers offering diverse content outside traditional structures. Press freedom ranking plummeted from 118th (2024) to 129th (2025) reflecting authoritarian regression after Kais Saied's July 2021 power grab.
Media landscape transformed following 2011 revolution toppling Ben Ali (1987-2011) which maintained strict censorship through Communications Ministry. Revolution brought unprecedented freedom, ministry abolition, outlet expansion, and 2014 constitutional protections. However, parliamentary freeze and constitution suspension marked severe reversal. Tunisia went from post-revolution expansion to authoritarian crackdown dismantling democratic media gains achieved after 2011.
Internet penetration reached 84.9% (10.5 million users) in January 2025 with 533 basis point increase (6.7%) year-over-year. Social media usage widespread at 7.25 million identities (58.9% penetration) with Facebook leading at 89.3% market share, YouTube 2.5%, X (Twitter) 338,000 users (2.7% penetration). Facebook ad audience 46.9% female, 53.1% male; YouTube nearly balanced 49.9% female, 50.1% male; X 21.5% female, 78.5% male. Millennials and Gen Z favor on-demand digital content over traditional media indicating significant demographic shift toward digital platforms.
Traditional media experiencing shift as viewers move toward digital platforms. Print media reach declining amid digital transition. No precise TV, radio, print penetration figures available for 2025, but trend clearly toward digital and on-demand content. Younger Tunisians increasingly prefer online and social media platforms seeking alternatives to state-controlled narratives. Older demographics may still rely on traditional TV and radio though trust eroding.
Political news remains significant draw but coverage increasingly sanitized and depoliticized as mainstream outlets avoid critical debate. Entertainment content attracts large audiences especially as political programming scaled back. Sports remain politically neutral space for public engagement. Associative and civil society media catering to underserved regions and audiences seeking alternatives to mainstream narratives. Urban areas show higher social media, podcast, streaming usage with localized content. Rural areas rely more on traditional media with less digital emphasis though penetration growing.
Total media market revenue projected US$20.24 million in 2025 with 6.94% annual growth through 2030. Significant revenue directed to digital and social media advertising reflecting high penetration rates. Mobile-first advertising strategies essential with 82% Tunisian adults using Facebook. Digital channel growth at expense of traditional media with advertisers increasingly investing in digital and social platforms. Younger Tunisians increasingly prefer on-demand and streaming services over live television.
| Demographic Category | Media Consumption Preferences | Influence on Trust Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Younger prefer on-demand streaming and social media; older rely on traditional TV/radio. Youth seek alternatives to state narratives. | Growing skepticism toward official channels especially among younger educated populations aware of censorship. Trust in state media eroding. |
| Urban vs. Rural | Urban: higher social media, podcast, streaming usage; rural: traditional TV/radio with lower internet. Device usage predominantly mobile in cities. | Urban audiences access diverse sources; rural rely more on traditional media. Urban-rural digital divide affects trust source availability. |
| Socioeconomic Status | Higher-income access paid digital platforms; lower-income rely on free-to-air TV/radio. Over 80% access via smartphones indicating mobile-first consumption. | Lower-income lack access to paid alternative sources; higher-income can seek independent outlets. Access determines trust opportunity. |
| Gender | Social media gender nearly balanced except X (male 78.5%); women's media production participation grown since 2011 suggesting evolving consumption. | No direct gender trust data available but increased women's participation in media production reflects changing engagement patterns. |
Tunisia experienced notable press freedom decline with government pressure, legal repression, and economic constraints impacting public trust. Arab Barometer 2023 shows only 50% rate government performance positively (8-point drop since 2021) suggesting broader erosion of institutional confidence extending to state-linked media. Climate of fear and self-censorship with many professionals refusing political commentary indicating reduced trust in politicized mainstream outlets. Independent outlets like those operating from exile gain trust among audiences seeking uncensored information despite systematic harassment, arrests, and detention without trial.
Decree-Law 54 (2022) weaponized against journalists creating chilling effect. Media trust environment marked by growing skepticism toward official channels, shift toward online associative media, and complex demographic factors shaping engagement. Trust in traditional outlets particularly eroding as depoliticization occurs. Alternative and online sources despite limitations attract those seeking less filtered information.
Social media as both entertainment and news source accelerates traditional media decline. Interactive formats, short-form video, user-generated content particularly popular among younger audiences. Podcasts rising especially among millennials and Gen Z preferring on-demand localized interactive audio over traditional radio. While live TV remains relevant for news and major events, overall trend toward fragmented personalized on-demand consumption mirroring global patterns with strong preference for regionally relevant content.
Media consumption increasingly mobile-first with 80%+ accessing via smartphones. TV and radio remain important for older demographics and certain content types but experiencing steady decline. Print media reach minimal amid digital transition. Younger audiences migrate toward digital platforms seeking alternatives to state control while older demographics maintain traditional media reliance though with declining trust levels reflecting authoritarian pressures on independent media.
