Draft:Mass Media in Palestine

Media created within Palestine attempts to reach both local and international audiences, but faces multiple threats, including censorship and violence, as well as poor economic conditions. Within the West Bank, Palestine TV and Wafa are controlled by Fatah, while Shehab News and Al-Aqsa Media Network within the Gaza Strip are controlled by Hamas. Watan TV and Ajyal Radio are considered independent news sources within Palestine.

History
Al Quds Al Sharif is claimed as the first Palestinian newspaper in 1876. After the 1967 war, during occupation, news media within Palestine was strictly monitored by Israeli officials. Palestinian media achieved some degree of independence during the years after the Oslo accords, but as the framework broke down, the PA gained power and the occupation continued, Palestinian media faced greater and greater challenges. In particular, the split between Fatah and Hamas caused significant challenges to Palestinian journalism.

Freedom of the press
Reporters Without Borders rated Palestine 156th out of 180 nations in its World Press Freedom Index in 2023. Palestinian journalists describe an environment of censorship and violence by the Israeli occupation, Palestinian political parties, and others. Social and conservative norms drive self-censorship, preventing coverage of "specific red lines: incest, suicide, Islam, sexual assault, honor killings, corruption, prostitution, extremism, child exploitation, and persecution of women." Palestinian journalists are routinely denied entry into Israel or another Palestinian enclave to provide coverage of events, due to the work permit system and press permit system, which prevents coverage of some events.

Media outlets and consumption
A survey in 2018 found that 65% of Palestinian media outlets were located in the West Bank, 22% were located in the Gaza Strip, and the remainder were in East Jerusalem. Half the outlets are radio stations. ~20% making up news agencies, ~20% making up television, and the remainder making up printed news or magazines. Many media outlets face severe economic challenges, and cannot reach higher circulations without increasing prices beyond the salaries of most Palestinians; they therefore require direct state intervention from the PA.

Today, 70% of Palestinians rely on external news sources such as Al-Jazeera as their main source of news, and only 30% read local newspapers. Much of the news coverage remains centered on the conflict and often attempts to reach international audiences, though many consumers wish for more localized news as well.