AAS Media Poll Release

In the course of the survey, all the major stakeholders in the media landscape, ranging from media Owners, management, journalists and other key actors were involved. Unsurprisingly, the survey shows that the safety and protection of journalists in the course their work remains a major challenge, in many cases affecting the quality of their reporting. Results of the survey will assist in the development of strategic approaches and interventions to improve the structural framework of the operating Environment for journalists.

The key findings of this baseline survey can be summarized as follows:

1. There is no national strategy on the protection of journalists within government institutions, the media industry or civil society.

2. Improved security management and protection for journalists within media houses would be more cost effective for media owners in the long term than the financial implications of ad hoc responses to emergencies and actual attacks and injuries.

3. The general public will benefit from improved reporting by journalists operating in a free and safe environment since they would not have to fear persecution for reporting on sensitive Matters. These key points form the basic considerations for a road map towards a safe working environment for Journalists in Middle East and will guide stakeholders within the Media Working Group and beyond.

Council is the highest governance organ of the AAS Press & Media Section, determining its strategy and policy, and deciding on the allocation of resources to its various programs.

Council consists of 5 members and can co-opt up to ten further members, including two writer & reporter members of Council.

The Bye-Laws make provision for a geographical spread of Council members between the Middle East countries. Council usually meets every 4 months but more frequent meetings can be called if the need arises

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