On Monday, Syrian state television made a formal return after a series of trial broadcasts and delays, attributing the setbacks to sanctions and outdated equipment, nearly five months after the ousting of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad.
Since the new authorities gained control in December, state media, alongside other television and radio channels, paused their services.
The launch occurred at 5 PM (1400 GMT), with a presenter greeting viewers and announcing the test broadcast of Syrian Alekbaria TV, originating from Damascus and available via two satellite providers.
This new channel showcased updated branding alongside visuals of Damascus and Ummayad Square, the location of the state radio and television headquarters, along with footage from various correspondents across the nation.
“Today marks the official launch of the first TV channel,” stated Ala Bersero, head of the new authorities.
He noted that the broadcast faced multiple delays due to “television infrastructure issues” and “sanctions affecting prior administrations’ satellite broadcasting efforts.”
Channel director Jamil Sulur expressed optimism, saying, “We want Alekbaria to reflect the new Syria, which contributed to the delay.”
On social media platform X, Hamza Al-Mustafa described the launch as a “very emotional moment,” hoping the channel would play a role in reviving national media and fostering “trust” with the Syrian population.
Following the takeover of Damascus by the Muslim group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) on December 8, state news agency Sana halted operations temporarily before re-launching with a new team.
Nevertheless, the newly established state television struggled to adapt to fast-paced developments, initially resorting to airing archived content before halting broadcasts altogether.
The new authorities have intensified scrutiny on the ousted government, particularly targeting outlets associated with Al Watan Daily and certain radio stations.
For years, the ruling Baath Party and Assad’s administration suppressed various aspects of life in Syria, including press freedoms, using media as a tool for control and limiting the presence of foreign journalists.
Since the regime’s collapse, exiled outlets and those in previously opposition-held areas have gained more visibility, leading to an influx of foreign reporters.
Syria currently ranks 177 out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index issued by Reporters Without Borders, based in Paris.
Reporters Without Borders indicated that Assad’s departure put an end to “50 years of brutal and violent suppression of the press… Yet, the newfound freedom for journalists remains precarious.”
