News | 25 05 2020
Since the beginning of the Syrian revolution in 2011, many media institutions and projects emerged outside the authority of the Syrian regime and its media censorship. However, with the ongoing changes in the political and military situation, these media outlets faced increasing challenges to maintain their press project and the supremacy of the Fourth Estate.
The new Syrian media, or what is known as alternative media, has undergone various difficulties. Ali Eid, President of the Syrian Journalists Association, said in his interview with Rozana Radio that Syrian media projects could not withstand hardships due to the suspension of support coming from international institutions and organisations. The only media platforms that will be able to survive are the ones with a responsible discourse and meaningful content. Even failed government-backed media end up shutting down.
Journalist Ali Eid attributed the ability of some media outlets to practice the profession properly to a responsible plan of action and the potential to adapt in subsequent and multiple stages. Eid stated that the media platforms communicate with the audience with a constant reminder of the public’s variable needs, and here lies the secret of its endurance. “I believe that there are several Syrian media projects that will stand and continue,” he explained.
The President of the Syrian Journalists Association continued saying that the future of Syrian media, which are operating within Syrian territories, holds no guarantees, especially in the light of unceasingly rapid and urgent geopolitical changes taking place every day. But, there are media institutions that have been founded on values, and embraced its responsibilities away from emotional rhetoric. Such media platforms, which emerged in the time of the revolution, work according to a plan of action and an aim to meet the needs of the audience.
Eid stressed that these media outlets are not interested in winners or losers. The purpose of media is neither to boost egos nor to go with the flow. The true mission of media begins today.
The problem of sustainable financing is the biggest challenge
Manar Abdul-Razzaq, a journalist based in the Turkish city of Gaziantep, considered that the most significant challenges that alternative media face lies in the lack of expertise and sustainable funding, as well as the weak training of cadre and the insignificant influence of these media platforms for many reasons. Abdul-Razzaq clarified that there were successful experiences which were able to access and make changes in society, in addition to winning and influencing followers during the process. Such experiences achieved the essence of media’s mission.
The journalist noted that these media projects were fairly successful and professional in the field of alternative media, asserting: "This is backed by the fact that these institutions received many awards and honour certificates. Rozana is a tangible example of such success, being celebrated by Turkish media. Rozana’s executive director was honoured by Reporters Without Borders, in addition to receiving several awards for the radio and its employees.
Revolutionary media failed to achieve the objectives of the Syrian revolution because of activists
Revolutionary media failed to adapt to the Syrian revolution because of many problems, according to journalist Sakhr Idris. The reason for such failure was the reliance on activists (citizen journalists) at the expense of professional media practitioners. However, “the presence of an alternative media detached from the Syrian authorities is an achievement in itself.”
If we are willing to be straightforward, we need to admit that the most significant challenge facing the free media is sustainable funding and the need to avoid ideologization. There are admirable experiences that surprised us with their great achievements.
Success is not a coincidence
Rozana Media Foundation has been running since 2013 and has won numerous awards. Lina Chawaf, Rozana’s executive director, stated that “success cannot be a coincidence. It is a product of the continuous effort of the entire team and a strategy based on independence and financial transparency for the last five years. So far, such strategy was the secret of the radio’s continuity, which has become part of our lives. We all have an aim to achieve. I promise all Syrians that we will spare no effort to share the dream of a "free media city."
Rozana identifies itself as an independent media organisation that does not abide by any political or religious agendas. It discusses in its programs Syrian issues, and is keen to review the different opinions. It aspires to be a voice that supports democratic values in Syria, and encourages the commitment to the concepts of citizenship and justice. Rozana stresses that Syria accepts all Syrians with their different orientations. It also seeks to create a professional journalistic culture by shedding light on the humanitarian, social and political issues in Syria.
The new Syrian media, or what is known as alternative media, has undergone various difficulties. Ali Eid, President of the Syrian Journalists Association, said in his interview with Rozana Radio that Syrian media projects could not withstand hardships due to the suspension of support coming from international institutions and organisations. The only media platforms that will be able to survive are the ones with a responsible discourse and meaningful content. Even failed government-backed media end up shutting down.
Journalist Ali Eid attributed the ability of some media outlets to practice the profession properly to a responsible plan of action and the potential to adapt in subsequent and multiple stages. Eid stated that the media platforms communicate with the audience with a constant reminder of the public’s variable needs, and here lies the secret of its endurance. “I believe that there are several Syrian media projects that will stand and continue,” he explained.
The President of the Syrian Journalists Association continued saying that the future of Syrian media, which are operating within Syrian territories, holds no guarantees, especially in the light of unceasingly rapid and urgent geopolitical changes taking place every day. But, there are media institutions that have been founded on values, and embraced its responsibilities away from emotional rhetoric. Such media platforms, which emerged in the time of the revolution, work according to a plan of action and an aim to meet the needs of the audience.
Eid stressed that these media outlets are not interested in winners or losers. The purpose of media is neither to boost egos nor to go with the flow. The true mission of media begins today.
The problem of sustainable financing is the biggest challenge
Manar Abdul-Razzaq, a journalist based in the Turkish city of Gaziantep, considered that the most significant challenges that alternative media face lies in the lack of expertise and sustainable funding, as well as the weak training of cadre and the insignificant influence of these media platforms for many reasons. Abdul-Razzaq clarified that there were successful experiences which were able to access and make changes in society, in addition to winning and influencing followers during the process. Such experiences achieved the essence of media’s mission.
The journalist noted that these media projects were fairly successful and professional in the field of alternative media, asserting: "This is backed by the fact that these institutions received many awards and honour certificates. Rozana is a tangible example of such success, being celebrated by Turkish media. Rozana’s executive director was honoured by Reporters Without Borders, in addition to receiving several awards for the radio and its employees.
Revolutionary media failed to achieve the objectives of the Syrian revolution because of activists
Revolutionary media failed to adapt to the Syrian revolution because of many problems, according to journalist Sakhr Idris. The reason for such failure was the reliance on activists (citizen journalists) at the expense of professional media practitioners. However, “the presence of an alternative media detached from the Syrian authorities is an achievement in itself.”
If we are willing to be straightforward, we need to admit that the most significant challenge facing the free media is sustainable funding and the need to avoid ideologization. There are admirable experiences that surprised us with their great achievements.
Success is not a coincidence
Rozana Media Foundation has been running since 2013 and has won numerous awards. Lina Chawaf, Rozana’s executive director, stated that “success cannot be a coincidence. It is a product of the continuous effort of the entire team and a strategy based on independence and financial transparency for the last five years. So far, such strategy was the secret of the radio’s continuity, which has become part of our lives. We all have an aim to achieve. I promise all Syrians that we will spare no effort to share the dream of a "free media city."
Rozana identifies itself as an independent media organisation that does not abide by any political or religious agendas. It discusses in its programs Syrian issues, and is keen to review the different opinions. It aspires to be a voice that supports democratic values in Syria, and encourages the commitment to the concepts of citizenship and justice. Rozana stresses that Syria accepts all Syrians with their different orientations. It also seeks to create a professional journalistic culture by shedding light on the humanitarian, social and political issues in Syria.