A Session to Set the Standards for Freelance Journalism in Qamishli
March 26, 2021, 4:13 pm

A Session to Set the Standards for Freelance Journalism in Qamishli

The Media Office of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria in cooperation with the London-based Foundation Levantnews held a session in Qamishli to hear the opinions of some journalists about the most important standards and conditions that have to be followed in freelance journalism in the region. Freelance

The session was attended by representatives of the Free Media Union (YRA), representatives of the Syrian Kurdish Journalists Network and a group of journalists working in northern and eastern Syria.

The session addressed several topics, among which; giving a clear definition to this kind of journalists, the chances of their success in serving the region and the media, the most important criteria for giving them work assignments and the mechanisms for developing their work. The session also addressed the importance of their work especially on those topics that are often absent in the local media, and the ability of these journalists to have easier access to global media platforms.

"Mona Abdel-Maqsoud" a teaching assistant at the Faculty of Mass Communication, Cairo University, presented via Skype a set of suggestions and ideas that enriched the session.

She said: “We have to take advantage of what is available and not start from scratch and we do this by studying the following: Desk research or documentary survey of the contracts and the models which are currently in use in major international and regional media institutions, such as BBC, Al-Arabiya and Al-Jazeera to know what is available and analyze it to learn and evaluate in terms of laws, rights and duties. She continued: “Then the next step is to conduct a field survey on employees who are signing journalism temporary contracts to know their needs and evaluation. The third step is to carry out in-depth interviews with senior management in the local and national institutions and with human resources managers to discuss the previous results and look for the best solutions for development and legalization.”

The head of the Free Media Union, Mrs Avin Youssef*, said that “It is absolutely necessary, especially in this time, to set up a regulatory mechanism for freelance journalism according to professional and ethical standards and the laws in the region. The session was to hear the journalists' opinions and suggestions on this topic.” She added: "There are diverse and contrasting opinions; some of which are appropriate and make sense, while some opinions are not relevant to the current situation of the region. I think these sessions are useful to the reality of the media where everyone shares ideas to have closer views to serve professional media work.

Journalist Khabat Abbas said: "I am honoured to attend this session, which was organized by Levantnews Foundation and the Media Office in North and East Syria, to discuss the standards and mechanisms of freelance journalism.” She continued: "This session is a constructive step to develop journalism in northeastern Syria and it is the first of its kind to shed light on freelance journalism."

She pointed out that: "The session was constructive and rich as it laid down the basics of the job of these journalists who effectively shared their opinions and experiences to develop clear mechanisms and standards which will be included in the media laws of the Autonomous Administration." She noted that: "This initiative is valuable and we need to continue and organize periodic events because of its positive results to upgrade the journalism in our region to professionalism." She added: "I thank the organisers for listening to our opinions with an open mind and arms. ”

Firas Muhammad, Director of the Higher Institute for Media at the University of Rojava said: “This session, which was sponsored by the Free Media Union and Levantnews Media Foundation, is important to discuss freelance journalism, especially the region is still developing in media generally. The place of the session and the sponsors gave intimacy and friendliness to the session upon discussing the topics. The many invited media figures enriched the session with many constructive opinions despite their differences as some complicate this type of work and others who facilitate it because it is spreading and receiving attention in many countries."

At the end of the session “Juma Khuzaim”, Director of the ASO Center for Consultancy and Strategic Studies and a member of the Syrian Kurdish Journalists Network, talked about the course of the session: “First, we have to know the meaning and concept of free media. Free media is one of the prominent features of democracy and if such media does not exist, it is not possible to develop any real democracy. He continued: "The definition of freelancers; they are independent people who work freely without a contract and do not represent a media institution. It is a job where the freelancers choose the time they want to work, freely and without restrictions. They choose the job they love and want to work in without being forced by anyone." He noted that: "Despite a large number of freelancers, there is no strong awareness of this type of media work. There have to be requirements for the job of a freelancer including the age." He also pointed out that: "If the freelancer has a bachelor's degree, it is a strength together with the talent, the amount of work achieved in journalism and sticking to the international press laws, standards and the laws of the media organizations in the region he works in."

Khuzaim noted that: "The Media Office of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria intends to issue a circular that includes the criteria according to which these journalists have to be given work assignments to provide media with some professionals." Freelance

Levantnews - Qamishli

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.