Credibility of Televised News in Libya: Are International News Services Trusted More than Local News Services?

This paper reports survey findings on Libyan university students’ perceptions of the credibility of two local channels – Al Jamahiriya TV and Al Libiya TV – and two pan-Arab television news channels – Al Jazeera TV and Al Arabiya TV. Respondents were asked to evaluate the credibility of these televised news services on a series of five-point bipolar scales (e.g., fair or unfair). In general, the pan-Arab television news services were given higher credibility scores than the local television news services. Higher credibility ratings however were significantly correlated with an increased likelihood of reported watching of both local television news services, but only one of the international television news services (Al Jazeera TV).