Idlib Book Fair Hosts Panel on Institutionalizing Syrian Media
The fourth edition of the Idlib Book Fair featured a specialized panel discussion examining the evolution of media work in Syria. The session highlighted the significant transition from revolutionary field reporting to the development of an institutional media landscape aimed at contributing to state-building.
The panel included Ahmed Badawi, Director of the Media Directorate in Idlib; journalist Alaa al-Din al-Youssef; and People’s Assembly member Muhammad Balas. The speakers discussed the professional and institutional challenges inherent in this transition. Badawi explained that the seminar focused primarily on the mechanisms driving changes in media discourse and the critical differences between the pre- and post-revolutionary eras. He emphasized the necessity of institutionalizing media operations to ensure that societal and cultural issues are covered with professional accuracy.
Journalist Alaa al-Din al-Youssef reflected on the role of media professionals and eyewitnesses during the early stages of events in Syria. He stressed the importance of leveraging accumulated experience and passing these skills to the younger generation. According to Al-Youssef, the current phase requires the promotion of a comprehensive “national media” concept. He noted that positive, tangible steps have been achieved over the past few months and underscored the pivotal role young people play in leading the next stage of Syrian media development.
People’s Assembly member Muhammad Balas addressed the legislative and political dimensions of this transformation. He emphasized the need to strengthen the media’s presence among both the public and institutions to help realize the aspirations of Syrians in building a new state. Supporting this perspective, Najwa al-Qassas, a faculty member at Idlib University and a member of the People’s Assembly, explained that the discussion covered the role of laws and regulations in organizing the media landscape. She highlighted the importance of establishing professional standards to prevent misconduct and the dissemination of inaccurate information, noting that such safeguards are an essential component of the transition to an organized, official national media sector.
The seminar saw significant engagement from the audience, which included journalists and activists. Participants praised the quality of the dialogue, which reinforced a positive outlook on the ongoing development of media while maintaining values of freedom and professionalism. The event served as part of the intellectual and cultural program accompanying the Idlib Book Fair, which has become a vital platform for discussing issues related to society and the state in Idlib.
