Middle East Journalism & Media

 Published yesterday:  Israel’s cabinet approved a plan to shut down Army Radio by March 1, 2026, sparking criticism from press freedom advocates who warn of risks to democratic norms

 Published 4 days ago:  Israeli journalists convene in Tel Aviv to oppose proposed government measures they warn could undermine press freedom, media independence, and the operating environment for newsrooms.

 Published 4 days ago:  The UAE issued a federal decree law establishing the National Media Authority, merging existing media bodies to unify policy, oversee content standards, and regulate media under Cabinet authority.

 Published 5 days ago:  Iranian editor Majid Beiranvand has been sentenced to prison and internal exile, highlighting growing pressure on regional journalists and the use of criminal penalties to curb provincial reporting.

 Published last week:  Human Rights Watch updates warn that attacks on civilian infrastructure in Lebanon and frontline areas are increasing risks for journalists, complicating access, verification, and newsroom safety planning.

 Published last week:  Iran’s government says it will align its media and tourism messaging to rebuild its global image after regional conflicts, signaling an expanded state-led narrative and new challenges for journalists.

 Published last week:  International press freedom groups condemned Israel’s ongoing ban on independent foreign journalists entering Gaza, characterizing escorted access as restrictive and undermining transparency and independent reporting.

 Published 2 weeks ago:  The 2025 report from Reporters Without Borders records 67 journalists killed worldwide, nearly half in Gaza, highlighting escalating risks for reporters in war zones, crime-ridden regions, and authoritarian states.

 Published 2 weeks ago:  Advocacy groups, including CPJ, renew calls ahead of Human Rights Day 2025 for Middle East governments to free jailed journalists and respect media rights.

 Published 2 weeks ago:  A report by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate found 57 violations against Palestinian journalists in November 2025, underscoring systematic threats to press freedom.

 Published 3 weeks ago:  A UN media seminar in the Middle East stressed journalist safety, conflict reporting protocols, and cross-border verification as newsrooms face heightened risks covering Gaza and regional crises.

 Published 3 weeks ago:  Tunisian commentator Sonia Dahmani is released after over a year in detention, raising questions on press freedom, remaining trials, and EU calls for journalist protections.

 Published 3 weeks ago:  A Turkish court has acquitted four journalists arrested during Istanbul’s 2025 protests, a rare legal win for press freedom but a warning about chronic risks for reporters covering demonstrations.

 Published last month:  Gaza journalist Motasem Dalloul faced false accusations after X location tags circulated online, highlighting verification challenges and digital risks for reporters in conflict zones.

 Published last month:  New account location labels on X are changing how Middle East reporting is verified, prompting newsrooms to refine workflows and manage rising audience expectations.

 Published last month:  A Houthi-controlled court in Sanaa has sentenced 17 people to death for allegedly spying for foreign states, raising urgent media safety concerns in Yemen.

 Published last month:  Human rights groups urge U.S. officials to press Saudi Arabia on releasing jailed journalists and reforming media restrictions during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Washington visit.

 Published last month:  A Palestinian journalist was wounded during an Israeli operation in the West Bank, highlighting growing safety risks and rising operational pressures for media crews on the ground.

 Published last month:  British commentator Sami Hamdi returns to the UK after a U.S. visa cancellation and detention during a Gaza speaking tour, highlighting free speech and press freedom concerns.

 Published last month:  Report finds 44 Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza displacement tents, highlighting threats to media freedom and independent reporting since October 2023.

 Published last month:  British journalist Sami Hamdi was released from US ICE detention after visa revocation, highlighting risks to cross-border journalism and press freedom.

 Published last month:  Watchdogs warn that Libya’s impunity for attacks on journalists deepens, urging urgent reforms and protection for reporters amid rising threats and violence.

 Published last month:  Iran has intensified online censorship, blocking independent news sites and social channels, sparking protests from journalist groups over the growing suppression of press freedom.

 Published last month:  Six Turkish journalists have been summoned over coverage of opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, raising fresh concerns about press freedom and political repression in Turkey.

 Published last month:  Over 285 journalists have been killed in Gaza since 2023, exposing a severe impunity crisis and raising calls for global action to protect press freedom.

 Published last month:  Arab states are tightening digital content laws, with new regulations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt raising fresh concerns about media freedom and online expression.