Syrian Journalists Visit Alhurra
A group of Syrian journalists who were in the United States as part of the State Department-sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program paid a visit to Alhurra Television, Thursday, August 22, to learn about the network’s operation and news coverage. During their visit to Alhurra’s Springfield, Va. headquarters and studios the group learned about the network’s news gathering processes, online presence and relationship to the Broadcasting Board of Governors.
Following a brief tour, the group of journalists who work for independent Syrian media outlets, met with Alhurra management to discuss the network’s coverage of the unfolding events in the Middle East, particularly in Syria. The group praised Alhurra for its objectivity and accuracy and commented how prominent Alhurra is in Syria as a source of news and information. Alhurra staff and journalists reiterated their commitment to providing balanced news coverage of Syria and highlighted the challenges of working where foreign journalists have been virtually banned.
The group showed interest in Alhurra’s presence online and were curious about the role of the BBG as an independent federal agency which serves oversight and as a firewall to protect the professional independence and integrity of the broadcasters.