Middle East Journalism & Media

 Published 2 months ago:  Israeli journalists warn the sale of 15% of Channel 13 to Patrick Drahi could erode editorial independence and weaken independent media ahead of elections.

 Published 2 months ago:  Iranian authorities intensified a crackdown on media, raiding homes, seizing equipment, blocking accounts and SIMs, and targeting journalists covering protests.

 Published 2 months ago:  Iran's judiciary sentenced Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi to an additional seven-and-a-half years in prison, plus a two-year travel ban and internal exile after her sentence.

 Published 2 months ago:  BBC Persian journalists say Iran monitored exiled staff and threatened relatives to deter diaspora reporting, prompting concerns over cross-border repression.

 Published 2 months ago:  Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh gathered 300+ media leaders to discuss AI, digital transformation and ethics, and launched initiatives to boost media innovation.

 Published 2 months ago:  Armed individuals attacked the Aden Al Ghad newsroom in Yemen, injuring reporters, looting equipment, and halting operations; CPJ called for a transparent probe.

 Published 2 months ago:  Saudi Media Forum 2026 opened in Riyadh with 12 flagship initiatives and over 150 sessions on media innovation, AI ethics, startups and industry partnerships.

 Published 2 months ago:  The UAE Media Council now requires anyone posting promotional content online targeting UAE audiences to hold an Advertiser Permit; violations may incur fines.

 Published 3 months ago:  Israel's Supreme Court heard a challenge to the government's ban on journalists entering Gaza without military escort, arguing it unlawfully limits press freedom.

 Published 3 months ago:  Israel extended its ban on Al Jazeera for 90 days, prohibiting broadcasts, offices and online services, citing national security amid criticism over press freedom.

 Published 3 months ago:  Iran has ordered domestic media to report only official death tolls for protests and security incidents, barring independent casualty counts.

 Published 3 months ago:  AFP urges a transparent investigation after freelance photojournalist Abdel Raouf Shaat was killed in Gaza. Press freedom groups warn of rising dangers for journalists in the conflict zone.

 Published 3 months ago:  CPJ and RSF urge the Media Freedom Coalition to press Israel to lift Gaza entry limits on foreign journalists to safeguard independent reporting.

 Published 3 months ago:  BIA's 2025 report says Turkish authorities arrested at least 29 journalists and used courts, police and regulators to suppress critical reporting and media.

 Published 3 months ago:  Three Palestinian journalists were killed in a Gaza strike while documenting aid operations near a displacement camp, raising concerns about press safety.

 Published 3 months ago:  Palestinian reporter Mohammed Mhawish was named a Knight Press Freedom Fellow at CUNY's Journalism Protection Initiative to bolster reporter safety and rights.

 Published 3 months ago:  The Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh will convene newsrooms and platforms to forge partnerships tackling media economics, platform power and press freedoms.

 Published 3 months ago:  A French journalist accredited in Turkey was detained while covering a pro-Kurdish rally in Istanbul, sparking diplomatic protests and concern for media freedom.

 Published 3 months ago:  Activists warn Iran may be moving toward long-term restrictions on global internet access after nationwide shutdowns during January protests.

 Published 3 months ago:  Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat sued Channel 12 and reporter Omri Maniv for 12 million shekels, alleging a false and defamatory televised investigation.

 Published 3 months ago:  The 57th Cairo International Book Fair (Jan 21-Feb 3, 2026) in New Cairo hosts 1,457 publishing houses from 83 countries, with Romania as guest of honor.

 Published 3 months ago:  Iranian officials say about 2,000 people died in nationwide protests, while internet blackouts and restrictions hinder journalists and impede information flow.

 Published 3 months ago:  Internet shutdowns and network throttling in Iran are crippling journalists and media, impeding reporting, verification and sharing of protest information.

 Published 3 months ago:  Turkey observed Working Journalists' Day on Jan. 10 with official tributes, praising reporters' work and press freedom amid concerns over media restrictions.

 Published 3 months ago:  RSF launches Iran help desk to provide VPNs, digital security, mirror-site support and emergency aid to journalists facing internet censorship.

 Published 3 months ago:  Reporters Without Borders says Iran's communications blackout sharply restricts journalists, isolating reporters and disrupting information flow amid unrest.

 Published 3 months ago:  Iran has intensified protest crackdowns with arrests and prosecutions, reported use of lethal force, and tightened internet controls and pressure on journalists.

 Published 3 months ago:  Iran imposed an internet blackout on Jan. 8, sharply reducing connectivity and blocking social media, messaging apps and news sites amid protests.