For several decades he tried to portray himself as leader of the Arab world, and has now taken up the mission of uniting Africa. The state owns and controls the media and the authorities do not permit the publication of opinions contrary to government policy. Some international publications are available, but authorities routinely censor them and may prohibit their entry into the country. Both the internet and satellite television are widely available. Local revolutionary committees publish several smaller newspapers.
Broadcasting is the national broadcaster.
No privately-owned TV stations broadcast in Libya. The external radio service was renamed the Voice of Africa in October 1998, to reflect Libya's change in political orientation towards Africa and away from the Middle East and Arab world. Before that, the service was known as the Voice of the Greater Arab Homeland. Voice of Africa broadcasts in Arabic, English and French, and has announced plans to introduce programmes in Swahili, Hausa, Fulani and Amharic. The external service used to broadcast in Arabic, German, Russian, and several Central and Eastern European languages.