JX Fund – European Fund for Journalism in Exile

CONTEXT

SYRIAN MEDIA IN EXILE SINCE 2011

Note: Syria is in the midst of a historical transformation, which will also likely fundamentally impact its media ecosystem. The current Country Profile looks back at the state of independent Syrian media in exile up until November 2024; while there is some consideration of how recent events have impacted the space, it does not track the latest developments.

Syrian independent media in exile emerged primarily in response to the 2011 uprising, an offshoot of the Arab Spring, and its subsequent brutal repression. Throughout this period, the sector was marked by its transition from grassroots citizen journalism to professionalized outlets.

Several key waves of exile occurred: the first in 2012-2013, when deteriorating security pushed journalists into neighboring countries like Turkey and Jordan; the second after intensified Russian military intervention in 2015-2016, leading to further displacement into Europe. A third wave saw media registering in European countries, such as Germany or France, to avoid political repression in Turkey while retaining networks within Syria​.

The current state of Syrian exiled media is uncertain following the collapse of the regime of the country’s dictator Bashar Al-Assad. The country continues to be fragmented, with multiple different groups controlling different regions. Security risks remain high, as evidenced by the recent deaths of two journalists. Nonetheless, journalists on the ground report being able to carry out their profession publicly in various parts of the country for the first time.

READ MORE

“The terrible system of dictatorship is gone. So of course we are happy, but we have to fight another battle. It’s a different battle because the [new government] does not like us — not only us, but any independent media, since they want to oblige the media to push their propaganda”

Lina Chawaf, Head of Radio Rozana

FIGURES & TRENDS

MEDIA PROFILES

Syrian independent media in exile are primarily focused on national news coverage, including conflict reporting, accountability journalism, and human rights issues, with most outlets maintaining networks of reporters inside Syria despite the risks. Nonetheless, the sector also includes some media with a strong local focus – something that is both deeply linked to the fragmented security and political landscape in Syria.

Many outlets were launched in the early years of the Syrian uprising (2011–2013), with a notable wave of media startups during the peak of the conflict in 2015–2016. These patterns highlight the sector’s strong engagement in documenting the war, governance issues, and societal changes. It should be noted that many independent media in exile, launched back then or in following years, have had to close – primarily due to difficulties with securing funding.

Given that Arabic is the primary language of communication for Syrians, the vast majority of exiled media publish in Arabic, catering to audiences both inside the country and in the diaspora. A number of outlets also produce English-language content aimed at international audiences, particularly for advocacy, awareness, and donor engagement. Additionally, some outlets, such as those focusing on Kurdish regions, publish in Kurdish alongside Arabic to serve specific ethnic communities. This linguistic diversity reflects both the audience’s needs and the fragmented nature of the Syrian population.

FIGURES & TRENDS

REACH & DISTRIBUTION

Independent Syrian media in exile have maintained significant levels of consumption, particularly through digital platforms, despite facing numerous challenges. However, consumption does not always correlate with visible engagement on social media platforms.

Fear of reprisal has played a major role – liking posts or following media critical of the regime could lead to serious consequences, including detention or forced disappearances. Consequently, many Syrians avoided leaving digital traces of their media consumption, particularly on platforms or devices that could be inspected at checkpoints or during random stops by authorities.

Looking forward, media are noting that some of the restrictions have abated, or see other positive changes in the media environment. The extent to which this will impact relations with audiences and media operations going forward remains unclear.

FIGURES & TRENDS

COMMUNITY

Founded in 2004, the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) is a civil society organization that advocates for freedom of expression and accountability for crimes of the Syrian regime, monitors violence and hate speech and works on civil society participation in the Syrian peace process.

The Syrian Female Journalists Network (SFJN) is an organization committed to promoting gender equality in and through media. Established in 2013, SFJN focuses on empowering female journalists, advocating for balanced gender representation in media content, and providing training to enhance professional skills. The network conducts research and develops resources to address gender biases while fostering inclusive narratives within the media landscape

The Syrian Journalists Association (SJA) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting Syrian journalists and promoting freedom of the press. Founded in 2012, SJA works to enhance professional standards, provide training, and advocate for journalists’ rights in Syria and the diaspora, as well as documenting violations against journalists and fostering the role of independent media in shaping a democratic future for Syria.

“For over five decades, the Assad regime waged a relentless campaign to suppress dissent and silence journalists. Reporters faced imprisonment, enforced disappearances, torture and exile, while families endured intimidation and blackmail. According to Reporter Without Borders, 283 journalists were killed during Syria’s conflict, with 161 deaths attributed directly to Assad’s forces. Countless others were persecuted, physically assaulted or forced into exile” – joint statement by Enab Baladi, Arta, Al-Jumhuriya and Rozana.”

Joint statement by Enab Baladi, Arta, Al-Jumhuriya and Rozana

EXPERT COMMENT

PERSPECTIVES & PREDICTIONS

The Syrian media in exile has undergone significant transformations since the uprising in 2011, shaped by the need to adapt to an increasingly hostile environment. The sector now includes a mix of small, independent outlets and more established organizations.

These players were driven into exile by repression, violence, and systemic censorship by the Assad regime, which views independent media as a threat. The initial wave of exiles occurred in 2012, followed by larger migrations in 2015–2016 as the conflict intensified and Russian military intervention compounded the dangers.

Media in exile maintains relevance by leveraging digital formats to address audiences inside Syria and the diaspora, often relying on social media platforms like Telegram and Facebook to circumvent censorship. However, VPN use and security risks hinder engagement. Citizen journalism and small grassroots networks, which have become professionalized with time, often form the backbone of reporting. Few of the early journalists were trained—it came out of necessity and grew organically.

In addition to news, audiences tend to be especially interested in investigative articles and reporting linked to accountability, human rights, and the economic looting, extortion, and corruption on part of the Syrian regime – they want to see retribution for the crimes experienced by the Syrian people. There is also a trend for nostalgia, with content about history, analysed through the lens of some soft progressive revisionism.

Funding remains a critical challenge. While grant funding is essential, non-grant revenue is minimal, with experiments in language services or donations covering only a fraction of budgets. The reliance on donors such as IMS, OSF, and EED underscores the fragile financial ecosystem. Donors prioritize humanitarian aid, making journalism a harder sell during war.

The challenges of exile include adapting to different legal frameworks, learning new languages, and restructuring editorial processes. Media outlets also grapple with the emotional toll of displacement. Exile is not a choice but a necessity when practicing journalism becomes a crime. Despite these struggles, some outlets maintain networks of reporters in Syria, operating under severe risk.

Future challenges include navigating funding declines and addressing news fatigue while ensuring relevance in a transitioning Syria. A key expectation is maintaining a balance between covering breaking news and producing cultural or accountability-driven content, crucial for sustaining engagement. The need for resilience amidst unpredictability defines the Syrian media in exile.

By Sara Ajlyakin, Deputy Executive Director Al-Jumhuriya Collective

Do you have questions or additional information that you want to share with us?

CONTACT US