Zyad Mahameed has stepped into a role he once could only dream of. As the newly appointed head of the Syrian Arab News Agency, known as SANA, Mahameed has a difficult job ahead: to transform the state-run media organization, once a mouthpiece for the Assad regime, into what he claims will be a more credible and internationally respected news service.
At just 32 years old, Mahameed’s journey has been remarkable. Previously a media operative for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group that now holds significant sway in Syria, he spent years creating slick documentaries and drone footage to bolster the group’s narrative in rebel-held Idlib. Back then, SANA represented the very institution he opposed—a mouthpiece for a government he fought against. Now, as part of the HTS-led caretaker government, he has been handed the reins of the agency he once viewed as an adversary.
“This is a unique opportunity,” Mahameed said in an interview from his new office in Damascus. “The short-term goal is to retrain the journalists and have a real, professional staff. The long-term goal is to make SANA a proper international news agency. It can be a governmental agency, sure, but not just a mouthpiece for any regime.”
Mahameed’s appointment is part of the HTS-led administration’s efforts to stabilize Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. While his position is officially temporary, Mahameed is already making bold plans for the agency’s future.
He envisions SANA becoming a trusted source of news, both domestically and internationally, shedding its reputation as a propaganda tool. To achieve that, he says, the agency must undergo a complete overhaul.
“When I arrived in Damascus, I was shocked,” Mahameed said. “The newsroom was stuck in the past. They were using computers with software from decades ago. There were only two old video cameras for the entire bureau. It’s clear that modernization wasn’t a priority under the previous regime.”
Mahameed’s immediate focus is on retraining the agency’s staff. Many of the current journalists either lack professional training or are deeply entrenched in the old ways of state-controlled reporting. He plans to bring in media experts to teach modern journalism techniques and ethical reporting standards.
“We need to rebuild trust with the public,” he explained. Many people have grown frustrated with misinformation campaigns and they need clear journalistic work now. People want dependable and fair news reporting and this is what we deliver to our audience.
Though he remains hopeful Mahameed recognizes what difficulties lie ahead. Syrians see little chance that HTS will direct the nation despite its weak political position today.
Because of his former role as a HTS media figure people wonder if he can lead SANA to become truly independent. People say the news agency would adopt government views instead of working as fair journalism.
But Mahameed insists he is committed to transparency and professionalism. “This isn’t about me or my past,” he said. “This is about building a better future for Syrian media. SANA should reflect the voices of all Syrians, not just one group or ideology.”
Under SANA’s transformation initiative the bigger concern remains if Syria can escape decades of government media control. For now, his vision is ambitious: A modern news organization that meets global standards will help restore Syria’s credibility while bringing reliable news to a country striving for stability.
Our efforts will continue to grow Mahameed announced. A news organization should reflect the Syrian people while also serving their government. Our work aims to achieve this goal of professional mass media.
The final success of Mahameed’s reforms depends completely on how well Syria recovers from its ongoing conflict. His current moves display both promise and potential to help Syrian journalism grow while repairing trust between different groups in the nation.
