It was part of Al-Ghad Media Corporation owned by Colonel Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam until it was nationalized in 2009. Its reporting was sympathetic to Gaddafi until rebel forces took control of Benghazi in early 2011.[1] After that, it reported more openly and claimed to be impartial. On 23 February Reuters described it as "Libya's most reliable media outlet".[23] However, there have been reports that the paper was seized by protesters and its web site shows the flag of the Libyan Republic, which the rebels use.[17]