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.

Palestinian journalist named Knight Press Freedom Fellow

Palestinian journalist named Knight Press Freedom Fellow

 Published 6 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 6 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 6 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 6 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 6 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 6 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 6 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 6 months ago:  Internet shutdowns and network throttling in Iran are crippling journalists and media, impeding reporting, verification and sharing of protest information.

Turkey honors journalists on Working Journalists' Day

Turkey honors journalists on Working Journalists' Day

 Published 6 months ago:  Turkey observed Working Journalists' Day on Jan. 10 with official tributes, praising reporters' work and press freedom amid concerns over media restrictions.

RSF launches Iran media help desk for journalists

RSF launches Iran media help desk for journalists

 Published 6 months ago:  RSF launches Iran help desk to provide VPNs, digital security, mirror-site support and emergency aid to journalists facing internet censorship.

Iran communications blackout deepens media repression, RSF warns

Iran communications blackout deepens media repression, RSF warns

 Published 6 months ago:  Reporters Without Borders says Iran's communications blackout sharply restricts journalists, isolating reporters and disrupting information flow amid unrest.

Iran protest crackdown raises alarms for press freedom

Iran protest crackdown raises alarms for press freedom

 Published 6 months ago:  Iran has intensified protest crackdowns with arrests and prosecutions, reported use of lethal force, and tightened internet controls and pressure on journalists.

Iran imposes nationwide internet blackout amid protests

Iran imposes nationwide internet blackout amid protests

 Published 6 months ago:  Iran imposed an internet blackout on Jan. 8, sharply reducing connectivity and blocking social media, messaging apps and news sites amid protests.

Arab states rank among the world's toughest for journalists

Arab states rank among the world's toughest for journalists

 Published 6 months ago:  Arab states remain among the world's most restrictive places for journalists, where censorship, detentions and legal pressures limit independent reporting.

Israeli government urges court to uphold Gaza media ban

Israeli government urges court to uphold Gaza media ban

 Published 6 months ago:  Israel has urged its Supreme Court to uphold a ban on unrestricted foreign media access to Gaza, citing security concerns as press groups warn of limits on independent reporting.

Arab journalists pledge cooperation to defend media freedom

Arab journalists pledge cooperation to defend media freedom

 Published 6 months ago:  Arab journalist unions from Jordan and Egypt announce deeper cooperation on training and advocacy, stressing media freedom and the role of Arab media in shaping global narratives.

Palestinian rights group flags press access limits

Palestinian rights group flags press access limits

 Published 6 months ago:  The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights highlights ongoing restrictions on journalists in occupied territories, impacting press freedom and humanitarian reporting.

Palestinian journalists face a wave of detentions in 2025

Palestinian journalists face a wave of detentions in 2025

 Published 6 months ago:  In 2025, over 42 Palestinian journalists were detained by Israeli authorities, highlighting pressing concerns for press freedom and journalist safety.

Palestinian groups mark journalists loyalty day

Palestinian groups mark journalists loyalty day

 Published 6 months ago:  Palestinian groups commemorated Palestinian Journalists Loyalty Day, calling for accountability and protection for journalists in conflict zones.

Security crackdowns during Iran protests hit independent media

Security crackdowns during Iran protests hit independent media

 Published 6 months ago:  Heavy security measures during Iran's December protests severely impacted independent media and journalists' ability to report effectively.

Saudi Arabia fines and suspends social media accounts in crackdown

Saudi Arabia fines and suspends social media accounts in crackdown

 Published 6 months ago:  Saudi Arabia fines and suspends social media accounts for violating content under anti-cybercrime laws amid heightened scrutiny over economic discussions.

Israel reaffirms Gaza entry ban for foreign journalists

Israel reaffirms Gaza entry ban for foreign journalists

 Published 6 months ago:  Israeli authorities reaffirm entry restrictions for foreign journalists in Gaza, citing ongoing security concerns and humanitarian impacts.

Egyptian press honors excellence as media freedom questions persist

Egyptian press honors excellence as media freedom questions persist

 Published 6 months ago:  Ingy Abdel-Wahab won two prestigious awards at the 2025 Egyptian Press Awards, highlighting excellence in journalism amid media freedom challenges.

Journalists union says 76 reporters killed or wounded by Israeli forces

Journalists union says 76 reporters killed or wounded by Israeli forces

 Published 6 months ago:  The Palestinian Journalists Union reports that 76 journalists have been killed or wounded by Israeli forces amid escalating safety risks.

Report says 706 journalists' family members killed in Gaza

Report says 706 journalists' family members killed in Gaza

 Published 6 months ago:  A report reveals that 706 family members of journalists have been killed in Gaza since 2023, highlighting severe threats to press freedom.

IMF and New Media Academy host media workshop in Dubai

IMF and New Media Academy host media workshop in Dubai

 Published 6 months ago:  IMF and New Media Academy hosted a workshop in Dubai to enhance economic reporting skills and the impact of AI for journalists in MENA.

Israel extends foreign media restriction law to 2027

Israel extends foreign media restriction law to 2027

 Published 6 months ago:  Israel extends a law allowing foreign media restrictions by the Communications Ministry until 2027, raising concerns over press freedom.

Israel cabinet approves plan to shut down Army Radio

Israel cabinet approves plan to shut down Army Radio

 Published 7 months ago:  Israel's cabinet has approved the shutdown of Army Radio by March 1, 2026, raising concerns about press freedom and democratic integrity.