The Tunisian Public Sphere: Bland and By-the-book

Our study shows that Tunisian media - especially TV and radio - has limited influence. Even the most impactful samples scored only around 1.0 on our Influence Scale. By comparison, top Lebanese samples ranged from 1.4 to over 4.0. This means that while Tunisian media exists in volume, its ability to shape public opinion is relatively weak. 

Tunisian media showed a relatively high degree of what we call Discursiveness, averaging 65%. That is, samples showed a pattern of structured, logical, and credible discussion among dominant samples. Programs rely on experts, segment issues clearly, and articulate arguments methodically. This reflects a disciplined, European-style journalistic tradition. 

But salience - whether the media covers the issues that matter most to Tunisians - was low, averaging only 30%. Many programs missed the country’s top concerns during early 2025. This disconnect between media agendas and public priorities weakens overall influence, no matter how well arguments are structured.

Television remains Tunisia’s dominant medium, confirmed by Afrobarometer. Yet its digital reach is modest. Clips shared on YouTube or social media rarely spread widely. Radio, though popular on FM, also struggles to connect online. Traditional outlets therefore have little impact in Tunisia’s increasingly digital, fragmented information space, especially among younger audiences.

Tunisia’s media reflects a technocratic model of discourse: formal, careful, and institutionally strong - but not persuasive. The risk is growing civic disengagement, especially among youth, who don’t see their own concerns reflected.

Strengthening the Tunisian public sphere means more than protecting press freedom. It requires rethinking formats, topics, and tone so that media can resonate with citizens and genuinely shape informed public opinion in a digital age.