The literature on the role of the media during processes of transitions to democracy is divided over the positive or negative influence media outlets have. Both theoretically and empirically cases can be substantiated. In the case of the 2011 Arab revolts, however, there is a scholarly consensus that the media—traditional and social—have negatively affected the processes of transitions. While the criticism of the role of the media is empirically borne out, it does not explain how Tunisia was able to consolidate its democracy despite a polarizing media environment. Based on participant observation and interviews, the article argues that the inner workings of the Constituent Assembly and the role of individual deputies were crucial in overcoming a hostile atmosphere. This suggests that the role of political actors in negotiating the new rules of the game is more important than other factors shaping a transition.

关于媒体在向民主过渡的过程中的作用的文献，对媒体渠道所产生的积极或消极影响是有分歧的。理论上和经验上的案例都可以得到证实。但是，就2011年阿拉伯起义而言，学术界一致认为，传统媒体和社会媒体都对过渡进程产生了负面影响。尽管对媒体作用的批评是凭经验证明的，但它并不能解释突尼斯如何在两极分化的媒体环境下巩固民主。根据与会人员的观察和访谈，文章认为制宪会议的内部运作以及各个代表的作用对于克服敌对气氛至关重要。