Damascus, SANA- Syrian News Channel (al-Ikhbariya) has begun its first official broadcast with a new visual identity via satellite, in the presence of Minister of Information Dr. Hamza Mustafa and former Minister Mohammad al-Omar. This step is part of a broader plan by the Ministry of Information to relaunch and strengthen official media.
Minister Mustafa stated in a post on X that the launch of the channel with a new vision from the capital, Damascus, is a deeply emotional moment.
He emphasized that the team had worked tirelessly over several months to overcome various challenges and obstacles. Expressing hope that the channel would serve as a driving force in rebuilding national media on solid and competitive foundations, steering away from the model presented by the previous regime. He also expressed optimism that it would play a crucial role in restoring trust between media institutions and citizens.
In a televised interview following the launch, the Minister of Information emphasized the ministry’s openness and appreciation for media institutions during the transitional phase and political process.
He emphasized that efforts are underway to expand media freedom, establish Damascus as a media hub, and provide space for private media outlets, accredited foreign media, and various production companies. These initiatives are part of a phased strategic plan aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of media in the new Syria.
Minister Mustafa stated: “We seek a national media—both official and independent—that contributes to solidifying the transitional phase, addressing the challenges it faces, and agreeing on combatting incitement and hate speech. Our goal is to strengthen the discourse of citizenship, build bridges, play a positive role in managing expectations, convey reality accurately, and expand the margin of freedom.”
The Minister of Information pointed to plans for revitalizing the official news agency, (SANA), to provide citizens with reliable information and serve as a primary source for news. Additionally, he emphasized the launch of various media outlets, including newspapers and radio stations.
He highlighted the importance of digital transformation in the media sector, noting that its success relies on integrating traditionally produced content with innovative methods of reformatting and presenting it to the audience in ways that align with the nature of Syrian society.
Minister Mustafa emphasized the vital role of media in building bridges, particularly in the aftermath of the war waged by the ousted regime against its own people. He noted that the voices of Syrian communities around the world would be heard through national media.
He affirmed that the government is committed to a narrative centered on equal citizenship, ensuring rights and responsibilities for all, and inviting broad participation.
Additionally, he highlighted a dynamic and interactive communication strategy aimed at resolving political issues through peaceful means, preventing foreign interference, and integrating the largest possible segment of Syrian society into the political process. This approach seeks to amplify the voices of various societal groups to ensure their representation in different ways following the transitional phase.
The General Director of the Radio and Television Authority, Alaa Barsilo, stressed that the Syrian News Channel (al-Ikhbariya) aims to be closely connected to the concerns of the people and serve as a bridge between the government and society. He noted that past media institutions had suffered significant decline, stating that the deposed regime had pushed Syria to the bottom of global rankings.
Barsilo pointed out that Syrian television was previously a tool of repression rather than a true media institution. He affirmed that efforts have been made to eliminate corruption, build an efficient operational framework, and provide professional training for staff to align with modern media standards.
Jamil Srour, Director of the Syrian News Channel (al-Ikhbariya) highlighted the dedicated work that spanned three months to ensure the channel meets the standards of the new Syria, despite the fact that a project of this scale typically requires a full year to prepare.
He shed light on the challenges encountered during the channel’s launch, including difficulties stemming from outdated equipment and sanctions imposed on Syria. He also expressed gratitude and appreciation to everyone who contributed to the establishment of al-Ikhbariya Channel.
The Syrian News Channel (al-Ikhbariya) is set to follow all current events in Syria from a national viewpoint, offering a range of political, economic, and social news bulletins and programs. It will also focus on social media platforms, which had been previously neglected.
The channel officially launched its new visual identity on Nilesat with frequencies 12303 H 27500 and 11938 V 27500, as well as on Es’hailSat at 11310. Additionally, it will be accessible via IPTV and its social media platforms.
Manar /Ruaa al-Jazaeri
