All Tunisia Newspapers

A Guide to the Press of Tunisia: A Landscape of Freedom and Pressure

Welcome to your guide to the newspapers of Tunisia, a nation with a dynamic and diverse media landscape that stands as a symbol of the Arab Spring. Following the 2011 revolution, Tunisia’s press was transformed from a state-controlled apparatus into one of the freest and most pluralistic in the Arab world. Publishing in both Arabic and French, the media is characterized by a mix of state-owned and private newspapers and a vibrant, highly influential online news sector. However, this hard-won freedom has faced significant challenges and a notable backslide since the consolidation of presidential power in July 2021.

The Daily Press: A Mix of State and Private Voices

The Tunisian newspaper market offers a range of daily publications in both of the country’s main languages, providing a spectrum of viewpoints.

The French-Language Press:

• La Presse de Tunisie: As the state-owned French-language daily, La Presse serves as an official voice of the government, providing coverage of state affairs and official announcements.
• Le Temps: A major, long-standing privately-owned daily newspaper, Le Temps is a key player in the Francophone media landscape, offering news and analysis on national events.
• Le Quotidien: Another significant private French-language daily that contributes to the diversity of opinion and debate.

The Arabic-Language Press:

• Assabah (The Morning): A leading and widely respected privately-owned Arabic-language daily, known for its quality journalism and comprehensive coverage.
• Al Chourouk (The Sunrise): A very popular private daily with a massive readership, Al Chourouk often has a more populist style, focusing on social issues and current events that resonate with a broad audience.
• Al Maghreb: Another key private daily that is an important voice in the Arabic-language press scene.

The Dominance of Online News

The heart of Tunisia’s modern media beats online. A vast and competitive ecosystem of digital news portals has become the primary source of up-to-the-minute information for the majority of the population. These online outlets are often more dynamic and critical than their print counterparts.

• Kapitalis and Business News: These are prominent French-language online news portals, with the latter focusing on economic and political news.
• Inkyfada: A celebrated non-profit online magazine known for its in-depth investigative journalism, data journalism, and innovative storytelling. It represents the pinnacle of independent, watchdog reporting in the country.
• Nawaat: Another key independent online platform that has been a significant voice for activism and critical commentary since before the revolution.

A Free Press Under Threat

While Tunisia’s media remains one of the most open in the region, the environment for journalists has significantly deteriorated since 2021. President Kais Saied’s government has been accused of using restrictive laws, including a 2022 decree on cybercrime, to prosecute and imprison journalists and critics.¹⁸ This has led to a growing climate of fear and self-censorship, threatening the democratic gains achieved after the revolution.¹⁹ The official state news agency is Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP).

From the established daily papers to the fiercely independent online investigative outlets, the media of Tunisia offers a compelling look at a nation striving to protect its hard-won freedoms. Explore our collection at w3worldnewspapers.com to connect with the full spectrum of voices from Tunisia.