Democracy

Introduction

During the last decade, the Arab media landscape has changed dramatically. Not simply the changes in the traditional mass media such as newspapers and public TV channels, but also the rise of online services, news agencies and satellite TV channels have contributed to the creation of widely accessible information. Regional channels such as Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya have pushed against the restrictions of the freedom of expression in the Arab world and created a larger space for Arabs to express themselves more freely. They have done so by the use of news shows, live debates, and opportunities for oppositional thoughts. At first glance, the state controlled distribution of information seemed to be a thing of the past.

Although there have been positive developments in freedom of expression over the last few years, in reality, this positive development has not led to much change. On a national level, freedoms of expression as well as journalists’ rights are still under direct or indirect state control and self censorship. Soft containment or detention are still widely practiced methods of control in many Arab countries and the order of the day.

The "Principle for Organizing Satellite TV in the Arab World," which was agreed upon in February 2009 by the Arab Ministers of Information, is a new zenith in legalizing and formalizing state control over freedom of expression. Moreover, the agreement stands in opposition to article 32 of the Arab Charter for Human Rights.

The Heinrich Boell Stiftung Ramallah has contributed to raising awareness to the deplorable circumstances and highlight new developments in order to support and defend freedom of expression. For example, the new format of activism for change in the Arab world is digital activism and blogging. Last year, the Ramallah office organized the first Arab Bloggers meeting in Beirut in order to create a free forum for activists. This forum's goal is to create awareness of violations of freedom of expression and to support the democratization processes in their countries.

In the past, the office has concentrated its focus on educational measures like training, publishing manuals, and supporting publications. With the long-term support of the Media Development Center at Birzeit University in the occupied Palestinian Territory, the hbs laid a corner stone for the education of Palestinian journalists. We have accompanied the center in its developments in the radio unit since 1994. The center's reputation within the Arab media world gives the graduates opportunities across all main media stations in the Arab world.