Damascus, SANA- The Journalists’ Union has announced the launch of a qualitative package of reforms aimed at enhancing the professionalism of journalistic work and ensuring the rights of media sector employees.
This includes new membership conditions that set precise standards for eligibility, differentiated membership fees based on the nature of government or private employment, and linking promotions to experience and academic qualifications.
In a statement to SANA, the Union’s president, Mahmoud al-Shahhoud, revealed the approval of new measures for member admissions. These aim to organize journalistic work, raise professional standards, and protect the rights of media workers in various branches of the sector.
Al-Shahhoud explained, “The Union divided annual membership fees into two main categories: the first for public sector employees (government media) at 50,000 Syrian pounds, and the second for private sector workers, which includes two types: permanent contract employees with an annual fee of 250,000 pounds, and freelancers with a fee of 150,000 pounds.” He stressed that “this structure seeks to account for differences in the nature of work between the public and private sectors.”
He added that the Union has set professional and academic criteria for membership, including verification of educational and professional certificates, submission of documents proving years of experience in journalism, or a recommendation letter from the journalist’s affiliated media institution.
“It also requires adherence to professional ethics in past years, with exceptions for those producing social media content that does not adhere to traditional journalistic standards,” according to al-Shahhoud.
In addition to providing documents, the Union president mentioned that applicants will undergo two tests (oral and written) after the preliminary acceptance of their application, to measure their adherence to professional standards and their practical capabilities. Submitted work samples will serve as key evidence of credibility, experience, and ethical commitment.
He noted ongoing efforts to grant full membership (“basic”) to journalists with over five years of experience, with a university degree required for eligibility. This status allows them to run for Union bodies, while those with three years of experience receive the title of “participant,” granting general rights except the ability to run in internal elections.
Al-Shahhoud highlighted major challenges facing the new reforms, including reorganizing current members’ records, reclaiming neglected Union properties, and repairing internal and external relations with local, Arab, and international entities. He confirmed that these issues are being addressed with practical steps.
He emphasized that the selection of members will strictly adhere to announced criteria, without any unlawful considerations. Al-Shahhoud affirmed, “The Union must be a fortress that defends the freedom and dignity of journalists, ensuring them a decent living so they don’t transform from opinion-makers into beggars.”
He also noted that these reforms aim to strengthen journalism as an effective fourth estate, capable of influencing without financial or political pressures.
Manar /Ruaa al-Jazaeri
