Damascus (Washington Insider Magazine) – February 5, 2026 — Syria has relaunched Damascus Radio as a modern multi-platform broadcaster, marking a milestone in the country’s transitional media landscape. The state broadcaster now serves both the capital and national audiences through FM, online streaming, podcasting, and social media distribution. The initiative coincides with broader stabilisation efforts in post-Assad Syria.
Expanding Reach and Digital Platforms
The Ministry of Information unveiled the upgraded Damascus Radio on Thursday as a fully integrated service offering news, cultural, and entertainment programming across diverse channels. The station broadcasts on 98.1 FM, with extended shortwave coverage nationwide and streaming available via a dedicated mobile app, website, and smart speaker integration.
Information Minister Muhammad Kanjo Hassan presided over the opening at the refurbished Barzeh studios, describing the return of Damascus Radio as a
“symbol of unity for all Syrians.”
Reflecting on the milestone, media outlet Radio Free
Syria noted the historic context of the relaunch, linking it to Syria’s
broader democratic transition.
Radio Free Syria said in X post,
“Damascus Radio Relaunches in a Free Syria for the First Time in Over Half a Century.”
Damascus Radio Relaunches in a Free Syria for the First Time in Over Half a Century
— Radio Free Syria (@Radio_FreeSyria) February 4, 2026
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Multilingual and Multimedia Expansion
According to SANA, the broadcaster now operates official YouTube, Telegram, and X channels, rapidly amassing 1.2 million followers within the first 24 hours. Podcast editions of its flagship programmes — including “Damascus Today” — are also available on-demand, delving into themes of transitional governance and reconstruction.
Ministry spokesperson Rima Abdul Razzaq confirmed that Arabic remains the primary language of service, supplemented by Kurdish, Turkish, and English streams to reflect national diversity.
Modernised Studios and Technical Upgrades
The relaunch follows extensive renovation of Damascus Radio’s headquarters in the Barzeh district, where 12 broadcast studios have been fitted with digital audio workstations and satellite uplinks. SANA released images showing newly installed 5G-enabled transmission towers expanding FM coverage to an 80-kilometre radius around the capital. Additional studios in Aleppo and Latakia will support regional production.
A network of fibre-optic connections and power backup systems ensures continuous operation, while the Ministry confirmed full interconnection with state television for cross-platform coordination.
Cultural, News, and Public Service Programming
The new Damascus Radio delivers a diverse schedule of 18 daily news bulletins from 06:00 to midnight. Flagship talk programme “Syria Forward” airs weekdays featuring government officials, analysts, and civil society representatives. Cultural programming includes “Heritage Hour,” showcasing regional music and literature, and “Rebuilding Voices,” a weekend magazine highlighting reconstruction projects.
Sports coverage includes Syrian Premier League matches and national team qualifiers, complemented by religious programming that maintains sectarian balance.
Reaching the Nation and the Diaspora
Shortwave transmissions on 17495 kHz (day) and 13735 kHz (evening) continue reaching domestic and neighbouring audiences. Satellite audio feeds expand access via C-band and Ku-band, while an upgraded mobile app supports Apple, Android, and web users — including diaspora communities in Turkey, Lebanon, Europe, and Canada.
FM expansion to additional provinces such as Homs, Hama, Deraa, and Deir ez-Zor is planned within 60 days, supported by newly leased transmission sites.
Technology Backbone and Media Oversight
Digital routing and audio systems link all studios to a central master control room powered by Lawo consoles, Orban Optimod processors, and 5G reporting units. Satellite news-gathering vans enhance field coverage, and a cybersecurity suite safeguards streaming infrastructure.
The service operates under the oversight of an independent transitional media board, which reviews content for neutrality and social cohesion. Training programmes launched in January aim to recruit 50 new journalists from across Syria, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to inclusivity.
A Voice for a Transitional Era
Minister Kanjo described the relaunch as
“a service to all Syrians regardless of affiliation,”
adding that the broadcaster’s mission is to promote unity and reconciliation during the country’s transition.
Early metrics suggest widespread public enthusiasm — app downloads surpassed 450,000, and social media interactions exceeded 2.8 million within 48 hours.
Phase Two of the rollout in March 2026 will extend coverage to Aleppo and Homs, with full national reach expected by December 2026.
With technical partnerships involving Eutelsat, Nokia, and Huawei, and a dedicated operating budget of SYP 12 billion, Damascus Radio now stands as one of the central pillars of Syria’s emerging information ecosystem — bridging divides across the nation and diaspora alike.