On February 14th and 15th, more than fifty journalists representing over forty media platforms operating in Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Iraq gathered in Amman. These platforms are supported by the Qarib program under Canal France International, funded by the AFD (French Development Agency).
This meeting, which could not have been held earlier due to the circumstances in some of the participating countries, such as Palestine and Lebanon, comes at a crucial time given the significant developments affecting independent media:
- War and its Challenges – The impact of war on independent journalists, its effects on newsrooms, and particularly the safety of media workers.
- Funding Issues – The challenge of maintaining the independence of these media platforms, as funding has recently started to decline due to various developments. This threatens not only their independence but also their very existence, putting free and independent voices at existential risk.
During the two-day meeting, participants engaged in open and candid discussions based on suggestions from Qarib’s partners and the priorities facing independent media today. The discussion covered the challenges of war, with platforms that have been reporting under extreme conditions—such as those covering the war in Gaza and developments in the West Bank and Lebanon—sharing the key difficulties they faced.
Attendees also exchanged experiences on the best ways to expand audience reach and ensure that people’s stories are effectively communicated. Additionally, they explored advancements in artificial intelligence and how media organizations can benefit from AI, based on the experiences of some participating platforms.
The journalists also addressed the funding challenges affecting all platforms and discussed ways to reduce dependence on external donors to ensure sustainability. Since financial support is always time-limited, the participants shared alternative strategies for financial sustainability.
Other discussions focused on legal and societal barriers affecting freedom of expression, particularly regarding women’s rights and corruption issues.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue discussions and share experiences on the urgent challenges facing independent media in the Arab region.