The private media in Syria
Document type: report
Download file(s):
183552 (168 KB)
Abstract:
This working paper is about the private media in Syria. A new publishing law was passed in 2001, which allowed the private sector to re-enter the media industry, having been banned from it since 1963. The relatively high number of approved publications since 2001 provides the Ministry of Information with an argument in its favour, which it uses every time the media situation in Syria is discussed. However, even though the new law does not impose censorship as a prerequisite, it does remain very repressive and contains an arsenal of restrictions that complicate the work of journalists. It also affects all other forms of publication in Syria and entering the country from abroad, as well as printing presses, with sanctions ranging from fines to imprisonment. In appearance, there are many indicators of an increased openness, but closer scrutiny of the way that the media actually function gives a better understanding of this distinctively Syrian “static reform”.
Authors:
Kawakibi, S.
Series Title:
Knowledge Programme Civil Society in West Asia Working Paper
Country:
Syrian Arab Republic
Category:
General
Serial number:
11
ISSN:
2210-3473
Keywords:
private sector
,
communication
,
human rights
Language:
eng
Organization:
Hivos – Humanist Institute for Development Cooperation
Organization:
University of Amsterdam. Department of Political Science. Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR)
PAGE:
12
Place:
The Hague [etc.]
Publisher:
Hivos [etc.]
Year:
2010
Region:
Western Asia
Right:
© 2010 University of Amsterdam & Hivos
Subject:
Social and Political Change
Title:
The private media in Syria