The Syrian Information Ministry on Sunday launched a new code of professional and ethical conduct for journalists and content creators, a move aimed at strengthening media standards and safeguarding responsible freedom of expression.
The initiative, titled the 2026 Media Code of Conduct, carries the slogan “Professional Media… Responsible Word.”
Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa said at the launch ceremony that the document was the result of more than 5 months of work involving over 1,000 journalists. He described it as one of the most significant media initiatives in the region and said it is intended to serve as a foundation for ongoing dialogue rather than a fixed or symbolic text.
Al-Mustafa said the code would be reviewed annually at a conference bringing together Syrian journalists to discuss updates and improvements. He stressed the importance of “constructive and responsible journalism during Syria’s transitional phase.”
Ali Eid, a representative of the independent national committee that formulated the document, said the code seeks to protect freedom through professional standards rather than restrictions. “Freedom that is not guided by standards turns into chaos,” he said, adding that independence in media requires responsibility and professionalism.
Eid noted that the rapid expansion of digital platforms and artificial intelligence has increased the speed and impact of information, heightening the need for clear ethical frameworks. He said the code is not a substitute for media law but a self-regulatory mechanism designed to reinforce accountability and rebuild public trust.
Omar al-Haj Ahmad, director of press affairs at the Ministry of Information, said the document marks a new phase for Syrian media, one based on responsible freedom, accuracy and self-regulation.
SANA
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