Prior to the outbreak of protests in Daraa in 2011, media in Syria was state-controlled and heavily regulated. However, in the face of escalating conflict with the Assad regime, independent media outlets emerged that gave voice to Syrian journalists and civil society activists sharing information domestically and to an international audience. Although these new outlets provided hope as state authority weakened, in the seven years since the outbreak of war, journalists attempting to share their stories from within Syria face daunting challenges including uncertain security, difficulty in verifying sources and the absence of a reaction from international audiences.

How has the emergence of independent media in Syria empowered diverse perspectives on political developments from within? How are Syrian journalists overcoming governmental crackdown, humanitarian devastation and a seemingly apathetic international community? How can international audiences support the work of Syrian media to mobilize humanitarian support and action in Syria?