Zyad Mahameed, now appointed to lead the Syrian Arab News Agency, plans to retrain journalists and transform it into a true international news agency, moving away from being a regime mouthpiece.
Upon arriving in Damascus, Mahameed was stunned by the outdated technology of the Sana office, noting they only had aging video cameras and decades-old software, spurring his desire for modernization.
Mahameed acknowledges the uncertain boundaries of his new role, suggesting that while he aims for professional standards, it remains unclear if criticism of Syria’s transitional government will be permissible.
Mazen Eyoun, a veteran Sana journalist, characterized the agency as the 'tongue of the government', reflecting the long-standing ties of the agency with state propaganda and the Assad regime.
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