The Documentary Podcast The Fifth Floor: The reality of reporting in Syria
9 snips
May 24, 2025 Dalia Haidar is a journalist with BBC Arabic who covered the tumultuous period in Syria under Bashar Assad. She candidly shares her chilling experiences with government censorship and the trials journalists faced. Meanwhile, José Carlos Cueto, from BBC Mundo, takes listeners on a vibrant tour of Chiclayo, Peru, reflecting on its rich culture and the legacy of Pope Leo XIV. The conversation touches on the evolving media landscape in Syria and the resilience shown by reporters adapting to post-conflict realities.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Navigating Journalism Under Assad
- Dalia Haidar juggled satire and censorship while editing a Syrian English magazine during Assad's rule.
- She negotiated curfews on criticism daily, subtly pushing boundaries for truth in journalism.
Journalism Is A Minefield
- Working as a Syrian journalist was like walking in a minefield due to shifting restrictions.
- Media freedoms and safety depended on the country's political and economic climate at the time.
Different Voices in Syrian Media
- During the 2011 uprising, Damascus publications covered demonstrations differently for Arabic and English readers.
- The English magazine featured opposition voices, unlike Arabic publications bound by censorship.