Mohammed Nabous was killed while reporting on the fight for Benghazi (Image: Libya Alhurra)

Mohammed Nabbous, a citizen journalist who founded an online television station to cover the uprising in Libya, was killed on Saturday while reporting on events in the strife-torn country.

Nabbous founded Libya Alhurra TV following the popular "day of rage" on 17 February, and had been posting round-the-clock raw footage and commentary from the rebel-held city of Benghazi.

He was widely regarded as the most influential local journalist covering the popular uprising in Libya, providing a steady stream of eyewitness accounts for thousands of worldwide viewers and foreign reporters.

Nabbous' final report for the station was streamed live on Saturday morning, as government forces continued to pound Benghazi with artillery shells in an effort to seize control of the city. He appears to have been shot while recording the report, dying a short time later.

During one of his first broadcasts on Libya Alhurra last month, Nabbous had declared: "I am not afraid to die, I am afraid to lose the battle."

His pregnant wife Perdita tearfully announced his death on Libya Alhurra shortly after 3pm on Saturday.

"I want to let all of you to know that Mohammad has passed away for this cause. He died for this cause, and let's hope that Libya will become free," she said.

"Please keep the channel going, please post videos, and just move every authority you have to do something against this. There's still bombing, there's still shooting, and more people are going to die. Don't let what Mo started go for nothing, people. Make it worth it."

Sharon Lynch, a colleague at the station, also confirmed Nabbous' passing in an email to broadcasters.

"Mo's objective in founding Libya Alhurra was to help his countrymen by getting the word out about what is happening in Libya. Please honour this courageous man and help him realise his dream by using his footage in your broadcasts," she said.

Media Spy discussion: Crisis in Libya