Introduction.- Chapter 1 Regulatory Media Reform: The Legacy of the Past and Burdens in the Present.- Chapter 2 Watchdogs and Patriots: How Arab Journalists Define Professionalism in Daily Practice.- Chapter 3 The Media Elite: Moderators or Preachers of the Public Opinion?.- Chapter 4 State Media: A Public Service?.- Chapter 5 Journalists versus Activist?: Traditional Journalists and Cyber Activism.- Chapter 6 Ratings Are Votes: Media and Democratization.- Conclusion.       

This book examines the evolution of national Arab media and its interplay with political change, particularly in emerging democracies in the context of the Arab uprisings. Investigated from a journalistic perspective, this research addresses the role played by traditional national media in consolidating emerging democracies or in exacerbating their fragility within new political contexts. Also analyzed are the ways journalists report about politics and transformations of these media industries, drawing on the international experiences of media in transitional societies. This study builds on a field investigation led by the author and conducted within the project “Arab Revolutions: Media Revolutions,” covering Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt.    

“This important book explores what is happening to the Arab media, politics, and public in the aftermath of the Arab spring. It turned out that old fashioned heritage media mattered most. Full of incident and nuance, curious and wry, the book is both realistic and yet reservedly optimistic. Lively, important, impeccably researched, it needs to be read.” (Jean Seaton, Professor of Media History, University of Westminster, UK)“El-Issawi has written a fascinating book on post-revolutionary media and journalism in Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia. The book provides a lively, insightful and often disheartening account of journalists’ search for new professional roles and identities in transitional societies. Their experiences challenge simple answers to the questions of what good journalism is and how media can be re-built in a volatile and unsafe environment. A must-read for academics, journalists, and practitioners of international media assistance alike!” (Katrin Voltmer, Professor of Communication and Democracy, University of Leeds, UK) “El-Issawi's book is a sober, nuanced analysis of media and political transition in the Arab world. It carefully dissects changes and inertia in media systems and journalistic practice. The book reflects El-Issawi's keen journalistic eye for facts and texture combined with academic analytical rigor. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding media politics in the region and the linkages between media and political transitions.” (Silvio Waisbord, Professor of Media and Public Affairs, George Washington University, USA)

Investigates the link between media and democratization in the MENA region Examines regulatory reform and journalistic professionalism in Arab media Provides in-depth empirical analysis on the transformations in media practices and values in the new political landscape Casts new light on citizen journalism and cyber activism during political transitions and regime changes Provides assessments and recommendations for the transitional media industry