‘Disastrous Effects’ on Yemeni Journalism During Coup Years

A Yemeni journalist in Sanaa carrying a camera after passing through a security scanner (EPA)

A recent survey study, published on World Press Freedom Day, has uncovered the devastating impact of the Houthi coup and the ongoing war on press freedom and media in Yemen. The study highlighted the significant challenges faced by journalists in Yemen, including limitations on independence, funding, and the protection of their rights.

The study, conducted by the Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists, examined 365 various media outlets, including television channels, radio stations, newspapers, magazines, and websites.

The findings showed that 165 of these media outlets have ceased operations due to the war and its effects, while 137 new outlets have emerged during the conflict.

The study found that 22 out of 26 satellite channels remain in operation, while four have stopped. While 54 of the 60 local radio stations continue to operate, 6 have ceased operations.

Meanwhile, the impact of the war on print media has been devastating, with 119 newspapers having to shut down compared to only 13 out of 132 that were operational prior to the coup.

The newspapers that are still in circulation are distributed across the country, with five newspapers being published Sanaa, six in Aden, and two in Taiz. Of these newspapers, 10 were established and published during the war, including five in Aden, four in Sanaa, and one in Taiz.

Based on the study, the majority of the 147 news websites have been blocked by the Houthi militias, who control the communication networks, preventing followers inside Yemen from accessing them. Additionally, 33 of these websites have ceased to operate altogether.

The study also revealed that out of 365 media outlets, not even one disclosed its funding sources and financial data. Of these outlets, 111 are for-profit, while 254 are non-profit.

Only 40 media outlets have contracts with journalists, but these contracts do not guarantee all economic, financial, and insurance rights and are not suitable for the nature of journalistic work and its risks during times of war.