Middle East Journalism & Media

The Middle East Journalism & Media section offers credible coverage of press freedom, journalism trends, and media industry developments across the region. From newsroom challenges and censorship issues to digital innovation and cross-border reporting, this section highlights the stories, people, and policies shaping the media landscape of the Middle East.

Israel detains and releases Turkish journalists during live broadcast

Israel detains and releases Turkish journalists during live broadcast

 Published 8 months ago:  Israel detained and released two CNN Türk journalists during a live Tel Aviv broadcast on March 3, drawing criticism and raising press freedom concerns.

Gulf states warn live war footage posts risk jail

Gulf states warn live war footage posts risk jail

 Published 8 months ago:  Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar warned that sharing live footage of missile strikes or military ops on social media may breach cybercrime and state security laws.

Syrian journalist Alaa Mohammed found dead in Lattakia

Syrian journalist Alaa Mohammed found dead in Lattakia

 Published 8 months ago:  Syrian journalist Alaa Mohammed was found dead in Lattakia on Feb. 21; authorities say the investigation is ongoing with no confirmed suspect or motive.

Israel bans five Palestinian media outlets over coverage

Israel bans five Palestinian media outlets over coverage

 Published 8 months ago:  Israeli authorities banned five Palestinian digital outlets, including Alasima News and Maydan Al-Quds, alleging incitement linked to coverage in East Jerusalem.

Turkish court arrests Deutsche Welle journalist over Erdogan posts

Turkish court arrests Deutsche Welle journalist over Erdogan posts

 Published 8 months ago:  Turkish police arrested Deutsche Welle correspondent Alican Uludag over social media posts prosecutors say insulted President Erdogan and spread false claims.

Israeli journalists warn Channel 13 sale threatens press

Israeli journalists warn Channel 13 sale threatens press

 Published 8 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.

Iran escalates media crackdown with raids and seizures

Iran escalates media crackdown with raids and seizures

 Published 9 months ago:  Iranian authorities intensified a crackdown on media, raiding homes, seizing equipment, blocking accounts and SIMs, and targeting journalists covering protests.

Iran extends Narges Mohammadi prison term

Iran extends Narges Mohammadi prison term

 Published 9 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.

Iran accused of surveilling and threatening BBC Persian journalists

Iran accused of surveilling and threatening BBC Persian journalists

 Published 9 months ago:  BBC Persian journalists say Iran monitored exiled staff and threatened relatives to deter diaspora reporting, prompting concerns over cross-border repression.

Saudi Media Forum spotlights innovation and trust in global media

Saudi Media Forum spotlights innovation and trust in global media

 Published 9 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.

Armed individuals attack newsroom in Aden

Armed individuals attack newsroom in Aden

 Published 9 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.

Saudi Media Forum 2026 opens with innovation initiatives

Saudi Media Forum 2026 opens with innovation initiatives

 Published 9 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.

UAE requires an advertiser permit for all online promotions

UAE requires an advertiser permit for all online promotions

 Published 9 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.

Israel Supreme Court hears petition on Gaza press access

Israel Supreme Court hears petition on Gaza press access

 Published 9 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.

Israel extends Al Jazeera ban another 90 days

Israel extends Al Jazeera ban another 90 days

 Published 9 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.

Iran orders media to cite only official protest death tolls

Iran orders media to cite only official protest death tolls

 Published 9 months ago:  Iran has ordered domestic media to report only official death tolls for protests and security incidents, barring independent casualty counts.

AFP calls for probe after Gaza journalist killing

AFP calls for probe after Gaza journalist killing

 Published 9 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.

CPJ urges coalition to press Israel court on Gaza access

CPJ urges coalition to press Israel court on Gaza access

 Published 9 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.

Turkey arrests 29 journalists in 2025 amid growing press freedom concerns

Turkey arrests 29 journalists in 2025 amid growing press freedom concerns

 Published 9 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.

Three journalists killed in Gaza strike amid fragile ceasefire

Three journalists killed in Gaza strike amid fragile ceasefire

 Published 9 months ago:  Three Palestinian journalists were killed in a Gaza strike while documenting aid operations near a displacement camp, raising concerns about press safety.

Palestinian journalist named Knight Press Freedom Fellow

Palestinian journalist named Knight Press Freedom Fellow

 Published 9 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.

Saudi Media Forum highlights partnerships amid media shifts

Saudi Media Forum highlights partnerships amid media shifts

 Published 9 months ago:  The Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh will convene newsrooms and platforms to forge partnerships tackling media economics, platform power and press freedoms.

French reporter detained while covering pro-Kurdish rally in Turkey

French reporter detained while covering pro-Kurdish rally in Turkey

 Published 9 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.

Iran internet shutdown fears grow amid protests and controls

Iran internet shutdown fears grow amid protests and controls

 Published 9 months ago:  Activists warn Iran may be moving toward long-term restrictions on global internet access after nationwide shutdowns during January protests.

Israeli minister files $3 million libel suit against Channel 12

Israeli minister files $3 million libel suit against Channel 12

 Published 9 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.

Cairo book fair set to open with record participation

Cairo book fair set to open with record participation

 Published 9 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.

Iran protests strain journalism amid 2,000 deaths

Iran protests strain journalism amid 2,000 deaths

 Published 9 months ago:  Iranian officials say about 2,000 people died in nationwide protests, while internet blackouts and restrictions hinder journalists and impede information flow.

Internet shutdowns choke reporting from Iran protests

Internet shutdowns choke reporting from Iran protests

 Published 10 months ago:  Internet shutdowns and network throttling in Iran are crippling journalists and media, impeding reporting, verification and sharing of protest information.