Ronahi strives to preserve the legacy of print journalism

Ronahi newspaper issued its first edition (Issue Zero) on October 16, 2011, from the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood in Aleppo, following the outbreak of events in Syria, with a clear mission to raise community awareness and defend freedom of opinion and expression. Through a network of correspondents, the paper is published in both Kurdish and Arabic languages to fill the media vacuum experienced by society.

One year after its establishment, the children’s magazine “Mazkin” was launched in Arabic and Kurdish, including a section for teaching the Syriac language. Its initial issues were produced with limited resources and the efforts of a group of journalists, featuring diverse publications in both languages.

Following the start of the Rojava revolution on July 19, 2012, the newspaper expanded in 2013 to both Qamishlo and Afrin, adopting a shared publishing model between the two cities that included preparing reports, news, and printing operations. Editorial members communicated by exchanging drafts and materials for editing and design, enabling effective coordination despite geographical distances.

Abdulrahman Mohammed, an administrator at Ronahi and one of its founders, explained that the newspaper initially published in print with a style closer to a magazine, utilizing the limited capabilities available at the time. Over time, the paper witnessed significant development; in 2014, the Arabic and Kurdish editions were separated after initially being published within a single page, in a move aimed at enhancing linguistic specialization and expanding media influence.

Farida Omar, a journalist and editor for the Arabic section at Ronahi’s Women’s website, stated that the newspaper was launched by a group of intellectuals and patriots who gathered to serve their country and people. She said, “We appreciate their efforts in continuing this journey and protecting this historic opportunity.”

Farida noted that “while Syria was experiencing revolution and heading toward political, economic, and social crises, this step was a historic achievement we take pride in. The newspaper started from the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood in Aleppo, which became a model of resistance, and from there, Ronahi began its journey to be the voice of the peoples of North and East Syria, and of all Syrians.”

What distinguishes Ronahi from other media outlets is its independence from authoritarian agendas and its refusal to be a tool for negative societal influence. By adopting both Kurdish and Arabic, it strives to be a unifying voice for various social groups across economic, social, and political dimensions, closely following events and providing coverage that reflects the pulse of reality.

Farida Omar pointed out that despite the challenges of displacement and difficulties, the newspaper has continuously followed and covered military developments, resistance, and national obligations. She said, “Journalists, through their pens and cameras, express pain and resistance it is a duty that requires us to be worthy and up to the task.”

The Role of Women

Farida Omar also addressed the role of women in Ronahi newspaper, noting that women have demonstrated a clear presence from their roles as correspondents to editors and administrators, contributing through their voices, pens, and ideas. She added, “Women have made significant efforts and sacrifices, especially during this phase we are going through. It is a duty incumbent on all women in North and East Syria and Syria in general. The changes demand that we be worthy of this responsibility, preserve women’s gains, ensure their protection, and amplify their voices to the global public opinion. Journalists document history, and what rests on women’s shoulders today is a heavy burden they must be worthy of, playing a significant role in this stage.”

In an era where digital transformation accelerates, print journalism faces major challenges to survive amid declining readership and audiences shifting to digital platforms. Printed newspapers are no longer the primary source for news; digital and virtual platforms have become the first choice and preferred source for most consumers.

With technological advances, the way people access news has changed; readers no longer wait for the next morning to get information but receive news moment by moment on their mobile phones.

Abdulrahman Mohammed commented on the challenges facing print journalism, saying, “There are major changes in journalism and media worldwide, especially with the rise of electronic media published online, which has significantly impacted print journalism.”

Mohammed explained that the emergence of many media outlets has led newspapers to transition to electronic publishing, which has both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, electronic publishing allows access to a larger number of followers and rapid dissemination of content, enabling the world to receive information instantly wherever events occur. On the negative side, there is a loss of the privacy and uniqueness that print journalism enjoys.

He described print journalism as “the mother of journalism” worldwide, saying, “Journalism started with print newspapers in 1815, relying on spreading news on paper. Print journalism has a unique intimacy; the audience can access it wherever they are, and it reaches readers in all circumstances regardless of technology or surrounding conditions.”

Abdulrahman highlighted that communities in North and East Syria sometimes face difficulties accessing the internet and electricity, which limits their access to information. “Our newspaper covers local events, and readers see themselves reflected in it like a mirror showing their reality, characterized by intimacy and mutual communication between the newspaper and the reader.”

Mohammed emphasized continuing print journalism work despite some newspapers moving towards its cancellation, responding to popular demand for its continuation. He confirmed, “We will preserve and protect this journalistic heritage.”

Abdulrahman Mohammed affirmed that print journalism remains fundamental; however, the newspaper is not disconnected from virtual social media platforms, as it publishes information through all official newspaper websites and media platforms to ensure their voice reaches global public opinion.

A wide segment of the newspaper’s audience still prefers the printed edition.

ANHA