Palestine: PJS secures financial aid for local media and journalists

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) has secured a financial aid package from the Palestinian authority for Palestinian local media and journalists of around 600.000$ to help them going through the economic crisis provoked by the Covid-19 pandemic. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) welcomes the Palestinian authorities’ support and commends its affiliate’s work in securing an essential financial relief for journalists.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the Palestinian media sector and has led to closure of several local media and the dismissal of dozens of media workers. In this context, the PJS held several meetings with Palestinian authorities to advocate for action to ensure the future of the sector and save jobs.

This initiative resulted in a meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Stahyeed, who acknowledged the harsh situation of Palestinian media and agreed to a series of support measures for the sector, including:

-        Access to the Estidama fund managed by the Palestinian Monetary Authority and which aims to provide soft loans to the sectors affected by the pandemic;

-        The exemption from 2020 tax payments to enable it to continue and ensure its sustainability,

-        Revising licensing procedures;

-        Help to fund creative content to promote the national narrative at the Arab and international level

The total financial value of the measures amounts to around 600,000 USD and the PJS negotiated the possibility of further support measures.

The PJS said the measures will help protect jobs and working conditions of Palestinian journalists and to maintain media activity and the flow of information across the country.

IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: ”It’s essential that governments all over the world take urgent action to save jobs in the media and guarantee the people's right to be informed. We welcome the Palestinian authorities' decision to support local media and call for further measures to ensure that no media ceases its activity and there are further job loss due to the pandemic”.

For further information contact IFJ Middle East & Arab World on +32 (0) 2 235 22 11

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries

Find the Middle East and Arab World IFJ regional office on Twitter (in Arab): @IFJ_AR