This document summarizes the media landscape in Somalia. It notes that Somalia has a highly media literate society due to nomadic traditions. After the civil war in 1991, radio stations emerged that were either politically controlled by warlords or established by businesses. Over time, independent radio flourished thanks to investment from the Somali diaspora. However, the media environment is dangerous, with Al-Shabab intimidating and controlling some radio stations. Journalists have fled due to threats and attacks. The fractured political environment also influences media in Somaliland, Puntland and Mogadishu. Despite challenges, Somali media demonstrates resilience.

1. Media in a Fragile
State: Somalia
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2. • Ethiopia
• Somaliland
• Puntland
• Jubaland:The Kenyan Buffer Zone
• Al-Shabab
• Mogadishu and the Federal
Government

3. The Media Landscape

4. Maxaad Sheegtay?
▪ Society arguably ranks among the most media literate in Africa
– For nomads, understanding where danger lay and where pasture and water was,
was a part of daily life
▪ Somali culture is individualistic, enterprising and deeply resistant to
efforts to control it
– Political settlement depends on the consent of the people

5. Radio
▪ 35 Radio stations in existence across the three regions
– Only true national coverage is done by the BBC Somali Service andVOA
– Reach (of local broadcast stations) is substantial but limited
▪ After the civil war in 1991,Two sets of stations emerged
– Politically controlled and established by warlord
– Those established by businesses
▪ Sensationalism is how media attempts to build coverage
– Glorifying war has strong cultural roots

6. The Somali Diaspora
▪ Overtime, the influence of warlords was counteracted by fresh investment
from outside the country.
▪ From 1999 onwards, private, independent radio flourished thanks to
external investment
▪ “The majority of investors in Somali media are from the diaspora – they
have a big influence,” says Ahmednur Mohamed Farah, from the National
Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ).The Somali diaspora is renowned for
its support of relief and development work, social and business investment,
and involvement with the politics of its home country. Findings from a
recent study by UNDP suggest that it provides between US$130-200 million
annually for development and relief activities, and between US$1.3 and 2
billion in private remittances”

7. Media Sources
Television
▪ NineTV stations operating across the
three regions, two of which were
opened in 2011. One is run byAl-
Shabab
▪ Increasingly fought over by political
interests
▪ 1/3 of people survey by BBC in
Mogadishu had watched television at
least once in the last week
Internet
▪ Boasts one ofAfrica’s most well
developed online media landscapes
▪ Much is created and shaped by
Somalia’s diaspora
▪ 200 online outlets (most are unreliable)
▪ Positive or negative?
▪ Media can publish content

8. Who and What Influences the Media?

9. Al-Shabab
▪ Has a deliberate strategy of taking over or intimidating radio stations
– Reportedly took seizure of seven private media houses in 2010
▪ Al-Shabab has used media as a way to intimidate enemies, threaten civilians and
recruit
▪ Radio Shabelle was forced to move its operation in Mogadishu
▪ Impose strict media guidelines in it’s controlled terriroty
– Opose anything western
– Recitals of the Quran and sermons
– Do not allow music on the air
▪ 500 journalists have fled the country

10. Al-Shabab Vs. The Somali Federal
Government
▪ Al-Shabab and the SFG are both vying for favorable public opinion
▪ The SFG tries to dominate the narrative but not allowing journalists
to use the word Al-Shabab
▪ During 2009 and 2010 more than 90 journalists went into exile to
escape constant threats, attacks and poor working conditions

11. Fractured Media
▪ Somaliland: Media must comply with the government
▪ Puntland: Private media exists, however they have to be weary of the
government
▪ South Central Somalia: media organizations are privately owned but
operate under a government that has been accused of being
authoritarian.
▪ In Mogadishu, prior to Al-Shabab’s withdrawal from larger areas,
media editors had to comply with the orders of insurgents or
commanders

12. Media Literacy: How to Navigate
▪ There is a clear demand for news amongst Somali society
▪ Society tends to reject extremism, yet yearn for information
▪ Even popular sources such as Radio Shabelle can be pragmatic but
exaggerate.
– Radio Shabelle is known to apologize if it has mistakenly reported a rumor
▪ Trust is limited for almost all radio stations in the country
– Geogreaphy and identity
– Control and content
▪ The most successful independent stations are impartial

13. How does this dangerous environment
effect media and journalism?
• The majority of journalists currently working in Somalia had less
than five years’ experience.
• Audiences and media focus groups revealed a decline in the quality
of journalism
• Investigative journalism in non-existent
• “Sharuur” – bribery of the media
• An oversaturated online environment from members of the
diaspora

14. As a result…
“I don’t think you’ll find a
media anywhere that is more
brave and resilient than the
Somali media”

15. What would it take for the Media to
play a peacebuilding role in Somalia?