Syria TV's new online platform adds rich content to Arab media landscape

In the past few years, the global media landscape has witnessed dramatic changes in a myriad of ways. Content production and presentation has transformed, this is partly due to the continuing reign of social media, which is now inarguably the most accessible and widespread form of digital media.

Due to the increasing power of social media platforms – which have played a key role in allowing Syrians to access the media online (both those within Syria and abroad) – Syria TV launched "Syria Stream", its new online platform, two years ago. 

Sharing stories and hope

Syria Stream has adopted the slogan, "Sharing Stories and Hope". It has used its platforms and those of Syria TV to present media focused on Syria and the Arab world, as well as covering international news.

"Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive and the site has gained traction fast, propelling the site into competition with major social media platforms in the Arab world"

However, it has broadcasted alternative content – differing in terms of topics chosen, aesthetic presentation, and technical production – covering a huge range of interests and viewpoints, such as political and social issues, factual stories, military and economic angles, cultural, artistic and comedy shows.

Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive and the site has gained traction fast, propelling the site into competition with major social media platforms in the Arab world.

Impressive statistics

Statistics point to Syria Stream's content being the prime factor attracting new viewers – its material has been actively engaged with and shared widely by Syrian and Arab audiences.

Since it was launched, Syria Stream’s videos have had over 400 million views on Facebook, and the page has over one million followers.

As for the platform's Twitter account, it has gained 31,000 viewers since it was set up and has had 2.1 million views. The digital platform's YouTube channel has 136,000 subscribers and viewings of its videos on the channel exceed 77 million.

Syria Stream posts its content on Syria TV's Instagram page, which enjoys nearly 300,000 followers and has had over 108 million video views. Significantly, Syria Stream's materials amount to around 95 percent of all the content which is posted on the Syria TV Instagram page.

"Statistics point to Syria Stream's content being the prime factor attracting new viewers – its material has been actively engaged with and shared widely by Syrian and Arab audiences"

Syria Stream's programmes

Syria Stream broadcasts a wide variety of programmes. Its launch two years ago coincided with the airing of a new show, Arab Dystopia, presented by the Najjar brothers, which focused on simplifying and popularising different scientific, theoretical and historical phenomena and ideas. Arab Dystopia gained popularity fast, finding a ready audience in the Arab world who responded with enthusiasm to the show and the topics it covered.

News G was another programme streamed by the platform, in which presenter Abdul Nabi Hijazi summarised major western and international issues of interest to Syrians and Arabs in an accessible and engaging style.  

Copy-Paste is another Syria Stream show presented by Yara Anjarini. In it, she addresses Syrian affairs and events using cleverly selected video clips and news excerpts as a rolling backdrop to contrast the events with similar incidents in the region and across the world. Syria Review is another programme addressing prominent Syrian issues and is presented by Qutaiba Yassin.

بماذا يفكر #أردوغان؟
الليرة التركية وحرب "الاستقلال الاقتصادي"
"مغامرة" أم لعبة سياسية أم استنساخ للتجربة الماليزية؟#كوبي_بيست #copy_paste #سوريا_ستريم @yaraangrini pic.twitter.com/1lPDpIXbHq

— سوريا ستريم - Syriastream (@syriastream) November 26, 2021

In 2021, Syria Stream produced I was a witness – a programme in which media activist Hadi Abdullah narrated moving and inspiring stories that took place during the revolution. The emotive show highlighted the human dimension of the conflict, awakening viewers’ consciences and stirring their emotions.

More recently, Syria Stream has produced the innovative dark-comedy It Has Finished And Failed, presented by Ricardo Bassous alongside an array of puppets. The show is a sarcastic, social commentary that addresses the daily socio-economic living conditions and issues suffered by Syrians, adopting black humour and puppetry to dramatise the themes covered in short sketches.

Syria Stream has distinguished itself by its dedication in providing coverage on dozens of personal stories and important topics before major international news agencies, as well as other Arab and Syrian media outlets.

Particularly relevant in this area is the section That's My Story in which Syria Stream has portrayed individuals as the heroes of their own stories. Through this section, in particular, the platform has managed to make a difference in the lives of many by depicting their stories to a wider audience. 

This is an edited translation from our Arabic edition. To read the original article click here.

Translated by Rose Chacko