Since the fall of the regime of Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024, no official Syrian TV channels have been broadcasting. This has created a major information gap in the country. People are now relying on other media such as Arab TV channels from other countries, channels that used to be against Assad, and social networks. Many wonder why the official TV channel has not yet restarted.
Reasons for the stop and dispute over restart
Opinions differ on the real reasons for the closure of the official channels. Some media observers believe that the replacement of personnel who previously worked for Syrian television is necessary. However, this exchange takes time, especially since new editorial guidelines and content must first be developed. Others believe that the matter is even more complicated. There could be political conflicts over the role of the official media or international agreements that affect the course of state media in Syria.
But there are also doubts about the infrastructure. Some reports say that the building and equipment of the television station are very old. A complete modernization is necessary, which is expensive and technically and administratively difficult.
Many Syrians expect the official channels to be reactivated soon after their restructuring. Mohammed Al-Sakhni, the deputy director of the General Broadcasting Corporation, said that the channels will soon return with a “new vision.” “This new vision is supposed to offer content that supports the success of the Syrian revolution and reflects the wishes of the people.”
The Syrian channel and its role under Assad
Since the beginning of the Syrian revolution in 2011, the official TV channel had one important task: to spread the regime’‘s point of view. It denied international reports of massacres and violations against civilians. For example, the chemical weapons massacre in Ghouta (Damascus) in 2013 was described as a “media fabrication”. Furthermore, the official channel showed satirical films. One of these films aimed to discredit the private Syrian civil defense organization known as the “white helmets”. As a result, many citizens lost trust in the official television channel. They then turned to other news channels, including opposition Syrian channels, for information.
Manipulation of content and fake news
According to several German reports, numerous false reports were spread via social media channels, among other things, after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Not only was content that supported the new government removed, but old videos were also presented as current events in order to create confusion and mistrust of the new government. Furthermore, statements were taken out of context in order to harm the new leaders.
These false reports spread via verified and supported user accounts of internet services that often published fake news. They were supposed to come from trusted sources. This makes it difficult to verify the truthfulness of the information. SSyrian organizations such as “Takkad” try to refute this misinformation and prove their false claims. Further details are available on the website: https://verify-sy.com/en
Foreign countries spread disinformation with fake news
In addition to online accounts supporting the former Syrian regime, some reports suggest that groups affiliated with Iran are also spreading false information on online platforms. Observers report that Iranian-backed media groups want to influence public opinion. They spread messages about the alleged instability of the new government and cast doubt on the legitimacy of President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
“Russia and Iran’s information manipulation apparatus is working at full speed”: This is how Deutsche Welle quotes Marcos Sebares Jimenez-Blanco of the US-based German Marshall Fund. Analysts also report that some of these accounts have ties to Iranian media outlets – media outlets that supported the Assad regime for many years. They suspect that these networks are working with individuals close to the old regime, both in Syria and abroad, for example in Germany.
Media observers also say that the ousted regime and its supporters – which include the Iranian and Russian governments as well as Hezbollah – have relied heavily on media deception during the war.
Do social media refuse to verify official accounts?
One point in this discussion is that the official accounts of the Syrian government on social networks such as Facebook or Instagram have so far been managed without the usual verification or the so-called “blue tick”. The new transitional government criticizes the fact that Meta does not verify its official accounts.
Activists and journalists have strongly criticized the company’’s approach. They believe that not verifying official accounts contributes to the spread of fake news and makes it more difficult to publish official messages. Critics also say that this policy allows unofficial groups to pose as the official new leaders and spread false reports.
In addition, there are accusations that people with ties to the Assad regime work for international media companies and may be able to influence the moderation of content. Syrian journalist Kutaiba Yassin claims that Assad supporters deliberately remove content and have accounts blocked there. However, these accusations have not yet been confirmed by independent reports or major media outlets.
Sources and further information: dw | Disinformation could push Syria back into civil war
ZDF | Disinformation in Syria
tun25020403