This was the focus of a discussion at the 5th Arab Free Press Forum in Tunis, January 23, 2012:

After years of propaganda, it is difficult for newly-free publications in the Arab World to establish themselves as trustworthy sources of news, particularly when facing competition from blogs and social media.

Five panelists discussed transparency, consideration for readers/users and the ineffectiveness of media laws. Participants agreed that codes of ethics were necessary. However, “a code of ethics should not come from the government but should be willingly established by the news organizations,” said Magda Abu-Fadil.

Report and photos of the event.

Photos by Aymen Omrani (+216 22 882 344 / barid.aymen@yahoo.fr)