Against the backdrop of radical transformations in Syria following the fall of the previous regime in December 2024, journalists have emerged as key figures in the transitional phase, striving to rebuild an independent media landscape that reflects the people’s voice and ensures transparency.

A recent study conducted by an independent research group for The Syrian House for Development and Community Empowerment, titled “From Conflict to Freedom: Professional Needs of Syrian Journalists in the Transitional Phase,” sheds light on the urgent professional needs of these journalists both within the country and in the diaspora, amid ongoing security and economic challenges.

Based on a survey of 100 journalists inside and outside Syria, the study reveals that 67% of journalists feel unsafe, while 49% lack basic professional training, and 85% suffer from a lack of psychosocial support. These figures are not merely statistics; they reflect a reality that demands immediate interventions to support press freedom in the new Syria.

The study provides historical context tracing back to the Syrian Revolution in 2011, during which journalists faced severe violations, including the killing of over 700 journalists as documented by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Today, in 2025, many are returning from exile to their homeland, yet they face new challenges such as the proliferation of rumors and a shortage of funding.

The study aims to identify these needs through clear objectives: exploring training gaps (such as using digital tools to combat disinformation), assessing security and economic challenges, and proposing practical solutions to enhance press freedom. Adopting a mixed methodology that combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews alongside an analysis of international reports, the survey results indicated a dire need for digital training (30.7%) and security training (25.7%), while 52.3% suffer from a lack of institutional support.

Key Findings:

Skills Gap: There is a pressing need to develop digital and investigative journalism skills to keep pace with developments, as 49% lack sufficient training.
Security: Security remains the biggest challenge, with 67% of surveyed journalists feeling unsafe amid ongoing assaults.
Institutional Support: Institutional support is also problematic, with 52.3% working independently without backing, and a funding gap reaching 40%.
Mental Health: 50% of surveyed journalists suffer from psychological exhaustion, yet 85% have no access to support services.
The challenges extend beyond these figures to include inherited legal restrictions facing 61% of journalists, with continued arrests in Idlib as reported by Amnesty International. Security challenges also include digital surveillance (34.7%) and a scarcity of resources hindering continuity. Furthermore, funding for the humanitarian response stands at only 12.5% according to the UN, while access to information suffers from censorship and widespread disinformation.

Recommendations for Stakeholders:

The study’s recommendations are distributed among key stakeholders:
The Transitional Government: Conduct legal reforms and establish funding funds to bridge the support gap.
International Organizations: Support training programs and provide psychosocial support.
Local Associations: Create professional support networks.
Journalists: Engage in self-development for their profession.

Officials at The Syrian House for Development and Community Empowerment stated that supporting journalists in Syria is a pivotal opportunity to build a democratic Syria, emphasizing that implementing the study’s recommendations is crucial for the future of journalism in the country.

About The Syrian House for Development and Community Empowerment:
The Syrian House for Development and Community Empowerment is an organization dedicated to supporting civil society and media development in Syria.

Media Contact:
The Syrian House for Development and Community Empowerment
Email: info@shdce.org
Tel: +963 939 568 353